bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’Église orthodoxe grecque face aux Lumières
Authors: Steinhauer Alfred
Published: January 2023

Dans cette contribution, j’essaie de démontrer la pertinence des analyses de Zeev Sternhell sur les contre-Lumières, à partir d’un exemple à la fois défini et périphérique. J’entreprends de retracer les éléments de ce discours dans un colloque sur les Lumières tenu à Athènes en 2015, à l’initiative de l’Église orthodoxe de Grèce. Je montre ainsi que le discours des contre-Lumières, dans ce cas, n’est pas un exercice théorique, mais forme surtout le cœur d’une position politique ethnico-religieuse à laquelle on devrait attacher plus d’importance.
La domesticité noire dans l’oeuvre de Genlis : de l’esclave au citoyen
Authors: Ibeas-Altamira Juan Manuel
Published: January 2023

Stéphanie-Félicité du Crest de Saint-Aubin, comtesse de Genlis, n’hésita pas à s’engager en faveur de la « cause nègre » dans ses œuvres, notamment dans le La Bruyère des domestiques précédé de considérations sur l’état de domesticité en général (1828). Elle décline, dans cet ouvrage sur les mœurs des serviteurs, tous les prénoms des domestiques noirs qu’elle a rencontrés au long de sa vie, notamment au Palais-Royal du duc d’Orléans, futur Philippe-Égalité. Dans ses souvenirs, rares sont les esclaves ; en France, ces individus sont cuisiniers, premiers garçons d’appartements, musiciens ou camérières. Elle ne parle d’esclavage qu’en dehors de l’Hexagone. Dans ses propos, on devine les rêves antiesclavagistes qu’animèrent certains des premiers révolutionnaires et pamphlétaires encouragés depuis le Palais-Royal.
La beauté des Amérindiens et le trouble chromatique dans quelques récits de voyage du premier quart du XVIII e siècle
Authors: Magnot-Ogilvy Florence
Published: January 2023

L’hypothèse de l’article est que le trouble herméneutique peut prendre la forme d’un trouble chromatique, dans des fragments de texte qui sont comme des brèches qui échappent à la polarisation idéologique et axiologique du bon et du mauvais « sauvage ». Il s’agit d’examiner dans cette contribution des moments de sortie des cadres des visées fortement idéologiques des textes de récits de voyage. Dans quelques récits de voyage de la première moitié du xviii e  siècle (Lahontan, Lafitau) et dans l’ Encyclopédie , on saisit le trouble suscité dans le discours par la vision de la peau des Amérindiens. À l’écart des jugements polarisés, la peau des Indiens y est d’une couleur insaisissable et indéterminée, oscillant étrangement entre l’olivâtre, le basané et le cuivré. Le trouble chromatique manifeste le trouble moral et herméneutique d’un autre difficile à catégoriser.
Hegel lecteur de Spinoza et Leibniz
Authors: Pétuaud-Létang Lucas
Published: January 2023

Dans cet article, nous interrogeons le rapport entre Spinoza et Leibniz du point de vue de l’histoire hégélienne de la philosophie. Il s’agit de savoir si, chez Hegel, le dépassement leibnizien du spinozisme est purement formel et chronologique ou s’il est fondé philosophiquement. Nous soutenons la deuxième option. La première partie de l’article rappelle les conditions de ce problème dans les Leçons sur l’histoire de la philosophie . La deuxième expose les différences entre les philosophies de Spinoza et de Leibniz et le dépassement contradictoire du premier par le second. Enfin, la troisième partie propose une interprétation de cette différence.
Cantor on the Notion of Infinity in Spinoza and Leibniz
Authors: Brancato Mattia
Published: January 2023

Dans son analyse de l’histoire de la philosophie et des mathématiques, Cantor indique le début de la période moderne comme celle dans laquelle, en raison du rejet général de la notion d’un nombre infini, certains préjugés majeurs contre ses nouvelles idées sur l’infini ont été développés. Cependant, Spinoza et Leibniz sont également considérés comme les premiers auteurs possédant une notion correcte de l’infini absolu et de l’infini véritable. Après avoir montré comment Cantor en est arrivé à ce paradoxe, je soutiens que ses vues ne peuvent pas être considérées comme complètement exactes : une superposition précise entre la notion de nombre transfini de Cantor et le nombre infini des premiers modernes est impossible car il y a une divergence dans la notion d’ensemble qui n’a pas été prise en compte. En même temps, Spinoza et Leibniz sont les précurseurs de Cantor parce que Cantor adopte la terminologie de Spinoza pour distinguer l’infini absolu et le transfini et parce que les études de Cantor sur le calcul de Leibniz lui ont fourni un exemple des ensembles infinis utilisés en mathématiques et onsitué ainsi une aide pour de nouvelles découvertes.
Spinoza, Leibniz, Borges : de la métaphysique aux belles lettres
Authors: Bahr Fernando , Gaiada Griselda
Published: January 2023

Jorge Luis Borges a montré une grande attirance envers certains sujets métaphysiques. Sa conception de la métaphysique a pourtant été singulièrement provocante : celle-ci n’est pour lui qu’une branche de la littérature fantastique. À partir de cette formule, qui semble invalider la métaphysique dans ses prétentions épistémiques, nous examinons certaines thèses métaphysiques de Spinoza et de Leibniz telles qu’elles ont été reprises dans l’œuvre littéraire de l’écrivain argentin. À savoir : le rejet d’une Divinité anthropomorphique, le sentiment religieux qui animerait l’Éthique de Spinoza, les choses en tant que « théophanies » pour l’homme, le sujet de la mêmeté et de l’altérité, la métaphysique des miroirs, l’expression universelle. Loin de prétendre faire de Borges le philosophe qu’il ne fut pas, notre traitement vise à montrer comment l’Argentin a insufflé la vie littéraire à ces idées par la puissance sidérante de son imagination.
Montesquieu, les fédéralistes américains et nous : la République fédérative européenne
Authors: Spector Céline
Published: January 2023

Cet article précise les raisons pour lesquelles la voie d’une République fédérative européenne conçue dans le sillage de L’Esprit des lois de Montesquieu paraît plus pertinente et plus réaliste que la voie cosmopolitique inspirée de Kant. Plus pertinente d’abord : alors que le monde comprend de nombreux régimes autocratiques, l’Union européenne est un club de démocraties. Plus réaliste ensuite : ses institutions garantissent les droits fondamentaux et l’accès concret à certains biens publics.
Two-Dimensional Peripheral Refraction and Image Quality for Four Types of Refractive Surgeries
Authors: Lin Zhenghua , Lu Yiqiu , Artal Pablo , Yang Zhikuan , Lan Weizhong
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

To provide a comprehensive investigation of the optical quality across the visual field for current mainstream types of refractive surgeries.

Methods:

Sixty eyes from 60 adults who received refractive surgery of either femtosecond laser–assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), Q-value guided customized laser in situ keratomileusis (Q-LASIK), small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), or Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) (STAAR Surgical) implantation were included in this study. Refraction and optical aberrations from a visual field of horizontal 60° (from temporal 30° to nasal 30°) and vertical 36° (from superior 20° to inferior 16°) were measured using a custom-made Hartmann-Shack wavefront peripheral sensor. Refractive error, higher order aberrations, point spread function (PSF), and Strehl ratio were compared among these groups prior to and after the surgical procedures, respectively.

Results:

All types of surgical procedures achieved an almost plano refraction in the central retina. This was also the case in the peripheral retina for the three types of laser refractive surgeries. However, residual peripheral relative hyperopic defocus was observed after ICL implantation. In all groups prior to the surgery, PSFs showed increasing distortion with eccentricity and arrow-like shape pointing toward the central fovea in the periphery in diagonals. Degradation of the PSFs was diminished by all three types of laser refractive surgeries, whereas ICL implantation made the peripheral distortion more prominent.

Conclusions:

Although ICL implantation produced a similar impact on refractive correction and objective optical quality in the central vision compared with other laser refractive surgeries, its outcome on the peripheral optics is different. The impact of this difference on visual performance deserves notice and warrants further investigation.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2023;39(1):40–47.]
Correlation model between mesostructure and gradation of asphalt mixture based on statistical method
Authors: Xing Chao , Liu Bo , Zhang Kai , Wang Dawei , Xu Huining , Tan Yiqiu
Published: January 2023

Asphalt mixture has complex gradation and mesostructure. Accurate prediction of the relationship between gradation and mesostructure is of great significance for the establishment of mesostructure numerical simulation model and image-based gradation detection. In this paper, featurization, stepwise regression, econometric hypothesis test are utilized for establishing the predicting models. Firstly, asphalt mixtures with 64 kinds of gradation are scanned by Computed Tomography (CT) to obtain the mesostructure images; Then a series of mesostructure parameters of voids and aggregates are put forward. On this basis, the relationship model between gradation and mesostructure is established and verified by featurization and statistical modeling method. The results show that for predicting the passing percentage of the 4.75 mm sieve and the mean value of average distance between aggregate centroids for 9.5–4.75 mm aggregates, the prediction error of passing percentage is acceptable. It illustrates that the relationship model between gradation and mesostructure established by statistical method is effective, and it is significance for material design and testing under the condition of big data in the future.
On fundamental algebraic characterizations of complex intuitionistic Q-fuzzy subfield
Authors: Khamis Adela , Ahmad Abd Ghafur
Published: January 2023

The main objective of this study is to propose a new notion of a complex intuitionistic $ Q $-fuzzy subfield of a field $ F $ that is developed from the concept of a complex fuzzy subfield of a field $ F $ by adding the notion of intuitionistic $ Q $-fuzzy into a complex fuzzy subfield. We establish a new structure of complex fuzzy subfields which is called complex intuitionistic $ Q $-fuzzy subfield. The most significant advantage of this addition appears to be that it broadens the scope of the investigation from membership function values to membership and non-membership function values. The range of complex fuzzy subfields is expanded to the unit disc in the complex plane for both membership and non-membership functions. Some fundamental operations, especially the intersection, union, and complement of complex intuitionistic $ Q $-fuzzy subfields are studied. We define the necessity and possibility operators on a complex intuitionistic $ Q $-fuzzy subfield. Moreover, we show that each complex intuitionistic $ Q $-fuzzy subfield generates two intuitionistic $ Q $-fuzzy subfields. Subsequently, several related theorems are proven.
On preemptive scheduling on unrelated machines using linear programming
Authors: Vakhania Nodari
Published: January 2023

We consider a basic preemptive scheduling problem where $ n $ non-simultaneously released jobs are to be processed by $ m $ unrelated parallel machines so as to minimize maximum job completion time. An optimal LP-solution has been used to construct an optimal preemptive schedule for simultaneously released jobs in time $ O(n^3) $. We propose fast $ O(m) $ time algorithm that finds an optimal schedule in case the above LP-solution possesses "small enough" number of non-zero elements. We propose another linear program for non-simultaneously released jobs and show how an optimal schedule can be constructed also in time $ O(m) $ from the optimal solution to that linear program. Based on another stronger linear program formulation, we extend the earlier known schedule construction procedure for non-simultaneously released jobs. The procedure is important, in particular, because there may exist no optimal schedule that agrees with an optimal LP-solution. An optimal LP-solution imposes a number of preemptions, and additional preemptions may occur during the schedule construction process, a job might be forced to be split on the same machine. We show that if no job split is allowed, even a restricted version of the problem on three unrelated machines is NP-hard. As a result, we obtain that, given an optimal LP-solution, it is NP-hard to find an optimal schedule that agrees with that LP-solution. As another side result, we obtain that it is NP-hard to find an optimal schedule with at most $ m-1 $ preemptions.
De Barcelona a Córdoba: el mestre Joan Safont y la revolución del gótico final en Andalucía
Authors: Fuentes Ortiz Ángel
Published: January 2023

Atendiendo a la documentación conservada, el presente artículo propone una nueva vía de penetración del gótico final en Andalucía a través de la figura del arquitecto barcelonés Joan Safont. La presencia documentada del destacado maestro catalán en las obras del monasterio jerónimo de Valparaíso en 1465 podría haber condicionado la revolución tardogótica en Córdoba al dejar su impronta, directa o indirectamente, sobre las diferentes edificaciones de una floreciente ciudad que demandaba nuevos modelos de representación arquitectónica.
La creación de la tesorería general de la Corona de Castilla (1495-1507)
Authors: Gálvez Gambero Federico
Published: January 2023

El aumento de las necesidades de gasto de la Corona de Castilla a fines del siglo XV hizo necesario contar con estructuras financieras para canalizarlo. Tras una lenta evolución, este proceso culminó a partir de 1495, cuando se crearon dos tesorerías, de lo ordinario y de lo extraordinario. El fracaso de la primera en 1496 llevó a reunir ambas funciones en la segunda, que mantuvo su nombre, pero ejerció ya como caja general. Durante la siguiente década, la institución fue una pieza imprescindible de la hacienda real, sobreviviendo a diferentes desafíos, entre los que destaca la crisis sucesoria iniciada tras el fallecimiento de Isabel la Católica. De este modo, los titulares nombrados por Felipe el Hermoso en 1506 y Fernando el Católico en 1507 fueron designados ya tesoreros generales. Estos cambios representaron un desafío para la hacienda real, que modificó estructuras y procedimientos para gestionar la nueva tesorería general.
El monasterio de Santa María de Nájera en el siglo XV: promoción artística y proceso constructivo
Authors: Gómez-Chacón Diana Lucía
Published: January 2023

La iglesia del monasterio de Santa María de Nájera es el resultado de una serie de impulsos constructivos que se sucedieron a lo largo del siglo XV durante los priorazgos de Pedro Martínez de Santa Coloma y Gonzalo de Cabredo, y el priorazgo y posterior abadiazgo de Pablo Martínez de Uruñuela. En el presente trabajo se aportan nuevos datos sobre dichas fases constructivas a través del análisis documental del edificio, y principalmente de la información aportada por el Libro segundo de censos, conservado en el Archivo Histórico Nacional, que permiten datar con cierta precisión y contextualizar todo el proceso, a la vez que facilitan los nombres de algunos de los maestros y canteros responsables de las obras, y el coste de estas.
Dar color a la guerra, la justa y la muerte. Los pintores de armas en Valencia durante los siglos XIV y XV: estructura corporativa y práctica profesional
Authors: Montero Tortajada Encarna
Published: January 2023

El artículo analiza, en primer lugar, la adscripción corporativa de los pintores en Valencia entre 1350 y 1480, para estudiar después monográficamente la inserción de algunos de estos menestrales en el ofici de freners, así como en la correspondiente confraternidad de los armeros. Esta particular incardinación se explica en razón de la especificidad de los trabajos de estos artífices, consistentes en la provisión de paveses para la autoridad real o la ciudadana, la decoración de arreos de justa, o la factura de armas de honor para sepulturas. Por último, se examina también el caso de varios profesionales de perfil destacado, como Domingo de la Rambla o Jaume del Port.
El real de plata de Pedro I de Castilla. Entre el prestigio y la necesidad (c. 1363-1369)
Authors: Oliva Manso Gonzalo
Published: January 2023

Uno de los grandes interrogantes de la historia de la moneda medieval en Castilla es el momento de la aparición del real de plata y las circunstancias que la rodean. Un único documento emitido en tiempos de Pedro I avala su existencia que se añade a otra solitaria mención presente en la crónica de su reinado elaborada por Pero López de Ayala. Disponemos también de otras noticias sobre el atesoramiento de plata, en monedas o en lingotes, por el monarca castellano. Estas fuentes escritas se complementan con el estudio comparado del real con el gros tornés, la moneda francesa de plata del momento. Todas estas referencias nos permiten ofrecer una fecha aproximada de su primera acuñación.
Dibujar la historia en los muros palatinos. Memoria y ornato en la corte de Isabel I de Castilla
Authors: Pérez Monzón Olga
Published: January 2023

Este texto reflexiona sobre los conceptos de magnificencia y solemnidad desarrollados en la corte de Isabel I de Castilla. Analizamos cómo estos principios adquieren visibilidad en el ornato de los muros palatinos y en la creación de escenografías efímeras donde el personal de su casa y corte asumía la custodia, conservación y exposición de un variopinto número de objetos artísticos. Entre los mismos, nos interesan especialmente los objetos de tema histórico, las series o figuras dinásticas y los dibujos o planos de territorios y ciudades. Muchos han desaparecido; de otros, tenemos noticias documentales o visuales. Nos atrae su propia materialidad, su complementariedad con narraciones textuales (escritas o habladas) y su relación con protagonistas regios en una visión global que traslada al imaginario artístico la metáfora de la unidad rey-reino que define la teoría política del momento.
Métrica, estructuras cuasiparémicas y procesos de desautomatización en el Libro de Buen Amor
Authors: Pla Colomer Francisco Pedro
Published: January 2023

La aplicación de los estudios sobre ritmo y métrica al campo de la reconstrucción filológica constituye herramienta de primer orden para arrojar luz a la historia de la variación lingüística. En este sentido, la paremia, en tanto estructura cercana al verso, es campo de estudio fecundo para examinar los patrones orales que configuran las expresiones fijas. Desde esta perspectiva, la presente investigación tiene como objetivo principal analizar las fórmulas cuasiparémicas documentadas en el Libro de Buen Amor, en contraste con otra documentación castellana, para, de este modo, complementar los resultados obtenidos en estudios anteriores, centrados en la naturaleza del componente parémico documentado en la obra del Arcipreste de Hita. Se persigue, con ello, constatar la relación existente entre ritmo y métrica y la fijación de las paremias castellanas en el proceso de construcción del saber popular durante el reinado de Alfonso XI (1312-1350) desde la perspectiva de una fraseometría histórica.
Falsificaciones y procesos judiciales. Contexto de producción y utilización de un supuesto original del monasterio de San Pedro de Cardeña
Authors: Serna Serna Sonia , Escalona Julio
Published: January 2023

El documento más antiguo existente en el Archivo Histórico de la Nobleza (OSUNA, CP. 37, D. 9) es un pergamino en escritura visigótica datado a 26 de diciembre de 943. Contiene una donación de Asur Fernández –entonces conde de Castilla– y su mujer Gontroda, al monasterio castellano de Cardeña. Podría tratarse del más antiguo original superviviente del archivo cardeniense, en su mayor parte perdido. Por medio de un exhaustivo estudio paleográfico y diplomático y el rastreo de su transmisión textual, se ha podido establecer que el documento, efectivamente, formó parte del archivo cardeniense, pero se trata de una falsificación elaborada en el siglo XII a partir de un modelo genuino del siglo X, hoy perdido. Por otra parte, el diploma se ha transmitido formando parte de un conjunto de documentos del siglo XIII relacionados con uno de los procesos judiciales en los que se utilizó como prueba, lo que ilumina el uso judicial de documentos falsificados.
Effect of different extraction methods on saffron antioxidant activity, total phenolic and crocin contents and the protective effect of saffron extract on the oxidative stability of common vegetable oils
Authors: Najafi Z. , Zahran H.A. , Şahin Yeşilçubuk N. , Gürbüz H.
Published: January 2023

Saffron consists of bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties and is mainly used in medicine, flavoring and coloring. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of extraction methods on the antioxidant activity of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extracts (SE) and to evaluate the antioxidant performance of SE in vegetable oils. Saffron stigmas were extracted in water, ethanol, methanol, and their combinations using maceration extraction (ME), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and the combination of UAE with MAE. The results showed that the sample extracted by methanol/water (50:50) using the combination of UAE with MAE methods had the highest amount of total phenolic content (31.56 mg/g GAE) and antioxidant activity (83.24% inhibition). The extract with the highest antioxidant activity was freeze-dried before incorporation into oil samples. Freeze-dried SE contained trans-crocin-4 and trans-crocin-3 (most abundant constituents), kaempferol, and picrocrocin. Moreover, the addition of SE at 1000 ppm resulted in a significant increase in the oxidative stability of canola (CAO), sunflower (SO), and corn oil (COO).
Fabrication, Testing, and 3D Comprehensive Analysis of Swept-Tip Tiltrotor Blades
Authors: Sutherland James , Datta Anubhav
Published: January 2023

This paper covers the design, fabrication, testing, and modeling of a family of Froude-scale tiltrotor blades. They are designed with the objective of gaining a fundamental understanding of the impact of a swept tip on tiltrotor whirl flutter. The goal of this paper is to describe the
development of the blades needed for this purpose. The rotor is three bladed with a diameter of 4.75 ft. The blades have a VR-7 profile, chord of 3.15 inches, and linear twist of –37° per span. The swept-tip blades have a sweep of 20° starting at 80% R. The blade properties
are loosely based on the XV-15 design. A CATIA and Cubit-based high-fidelity three-dimensional (3D) finite element model is developed. It accurately represents the fabricated blade and is analyzed with X3D. Experiments in a vacuum chamber were carried out to demonstrate the structural integrity
of the blades. Measured frequencies and strains were validated with X3D predictions proving the fidelity of the 3D model. Thus, even though the wind tunnel facilities were closed due to COVID-19, hover and forward flight calculations for the blade stress could be performed using the high-fidelity
3D structural model. The results prove the blades have sufficient structural integrity and stress margins to allow for wind tunnel testing.
Hub Flow Near-Wake Validation Using CREATETM-AV Helios and UMD Mercury Framework
Authors: Lee Bumseok , Jung Yong Su , Baeder James D. , Potsdam Mark
Published: January 2023

Experimental near-wake flow field measurements from two Penn State University water tunnel tests of a defeatured helicopter hub are compared with two unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses: CREATETM-AV Helios and the University of Maryland Mercury. Both CFD
frameworks employ an unstructured/Cartesian multimesh paradigm and turbulent Spalart–Allmaras detached eddy simulation (SA-DES) modeling. Experimental velocimetry measurements of mean wake velocities, harmonic content, and Reynolds stresses provide valuable validation data for CFD. Overall,
the two CFD solvers were in good agreement with each other and qualitatively captured the mean and harmonic content of the wake structures with accuracy. Flow feature dissimilarities between the advancing and retreating sides were differentiated and indicated dominant regions of harmonic flow
disturbances biased towards the retreating side, in good agreement with experimental observations. Quantitatively, some variation in velocity deficits and downwash were noted, either in profile character, magnitude, and/or location. Encouragingly, there was little tendency of excessive dissipation
in the CFD near wake, and the harmonic content actually tended towards a common overprediction. Reynolds number effects were minimal, and grid density effects were studied but inconclusive. These efforts were part of the Third PSU Rotor Hub Flow Workshop in 2020.
The body image and its relation to self-esteem among amputation patients at Artificial Limbs Hospital at Kut City, Iraq
Authors: Radhi Mohammed Malih , Abd Rawaa Kamel , Al Eqabi Qasim Abbas Khyoosh
Published: January 2023

Background: Throughout history, peoples live through vicissitudes from situations of security, peace, recovery to situations of war and the vicissitudes of nature and its cruelty over the diversity, intensity. The current study aimed to evaluate the self-esteem (SE) of patients who are suffering from amputees at Kut city, in Middle Iraq.Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional design is selected to determine body image (BI) and self-esteem (SE) among the amputated patients and to identify if the body image has been associated with self-esteem. By non-probability purposive sample composed of 300 subjects from both gender male and female with a different age. The pilot study was applied to establish the questionnaire's dependability before it was presented to experts to test validation. The data were gathered through the use of interviews, and it was then evaluated utilizing a descriptive statistics inferential statistical data analysis strategy.Results:  The study results shows that the more participants is male patients and their aged between (50-59) years old. Majority amputation site caused by diseases have recorded was the lower limbs also the war for more than 10 years. The most of amputated patients have a negative responses towards body image of them. Additionally, the majority of responses from patients who had limbs amputated show that they never felt confident in themselves (57%) Self-esteem and body image had a positive correlation (r=0.574; p=0.000).Conclusions:  Amputated patients regard themselves adversely, which leads to low SE, while a negative BI affects self-esteem. To increase the possibility of early intervention, hospitals need to have specialists in mental health and psychological therapy in these instances and to guide amputation cases to reduce psychological issues.
COVID-19 pandemic: what are the countries with low cases of COVID-19 doing right?
Authors: Asante Samuel , Tuffour Georgina
Published: January 2023

As of the 17th of September in 2021, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 over the world had reached 227.7 million, with around 8.2 million of those instances being reported in Africa and the island nations of the Atlantic and Pacific. The development of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa and other countries across the world has been significantly different from the first apocalyptic forecasts researchers in the scientific community provided. This is the case both in terms of the pandemic itself and its impact. This report investigates the factors – such as the political will to address COVID-19 through immediate and severe actions, collaborative leadership, and historical experience with infection disease outbreaks – that are responsible for the low reported cases of infections and deaths in two regions of the world: Africa and the island countries of the Atlantic and Pacific. In Africa, the political will to address COVID-19 through immediate and severe actions was high, and collaborative leadership was prevalent. Despite the fact that they have handled the pandemic in an effective way, vaccination continues to be a major worry because only a tiny fraction of the population in each of these locations has received at least one dose of vaccine. The healthcare systems in the countries located throughout these regions are in a poor shape, and an outbreak of a highly infectious coronavirus variety has the potential to overwhelm the already frail healthcare system and wreak havoc on these global regions. It is recommended that the leadership of these regions turn their attention inward and develop a collaborative strategy for the production of vaccines on a local level. Additionally, it is recommended that these regions make improvements to their healthcare systems so that they are adequately prepared to deal with the next major public health emergency.
Methodological issues in yoga therapy research among psychiatric patients
Authors: Karri Rama Reddy , Bhavanani Ananda B. , Ramanathan Meena , Mopidevi Vijaya Gopal
Published: January 2023

Yoga therapy has been widely accepted as part of the evidence-based modern healthcare system. Although research publications are growing in leaps and bounds, many methodological issues pose stumbling blocks. In this narrative review, various issues like standalone or add-on treatment, blinding, randomization, nature of dependent and intervening variables, duration of intervention, sustainability of effects, attrition bias, adherence and accuracy, all or none performance, diverse schools, heterogeneity and multidimensionality, assortment, permutations, and combinations of different components, neglect of essential ingredients, mindfulness, catch-22 situation, credentials of the instructors, cultural factors, naivety, multicentric studies, duration of collection of data, primary or standard treatment, interdisciplinary research, statistical lapses, qualitative research, biomedical research are discussed. There is a need to frame guidelines for conducting yoga therapy research and publication.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor from the greater omentum in children
Authors: Song Honghao , Zhang Huiyu , Zhang Yongfei , Wang Xiaoqing , Liu Wei
Published: January 2023

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) prevalence is less than one in a million. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive IMT in the greater omentum and with a diameter greater than 8 cm is extremely rare. Here, we present a case and provide a brief literature review. A 4-year-old female was referred to our hospital with a 1-month history of intermittent fever. Computed tomography revealed a 6.4 × 5.5 × 6.5-cm lesion between the spleen and stomach. During the operation, we confirmed that the mass originated in the greater omentum and completely resected the mass, achieving a negative margin. The maximum cross-sectional area of the tumor after surgery was 8.3 × 7.5 cm. The immunohistochemistry result of this IMT was ALK (+), S100 (−), Ki-67+ (20%), Desmin (+), CD21 (−), CD35 (+), Vim (+), and SMA (+). The final pathology was IMT. No local recurrence or metastasis has been observed in the 8 months of follow-up.
Microwave ablation of the lung
Authors: Cai Hongchao , Tian Hui , Wei Zhigang , Ye Xin
Published: January 2023

Background:

Percutaneous image-guided thermal ablation has an increasing role in the treatment of primary and metastatic lung tumors. Although microwave ablation (MWA) has emerged advantageous as a new ablation technology, more research is needed to improve it. This study aims to investigate the ablation zone of three microwave antennas in ex vivo porcine lung.

Materials and Methods:

In the ex vivo standard model and porcine lung model, MWA was performed in three power output settings (50 W, 60 W, and 70 W) for 3, 6, 9, and 12 min using three microwave antennas, with outer diameter of 1.03 mm (19G), 1.6 mm (16G), and 2.0 mm (14G). A total of 108 and 216 sessions were performed (3 or 6 sessions per time setting with the 14G, 16G, and 19G microwave antennas). After the MWA was complete, we evaluated the shape and extent of the coagulation zone and measured the maximum long-axis (along the needle axis; length [L]) and maximum short-axis (perpendicular to the needle; diameter [D]) of the ablation zones using a ruler; subsequently, the sphericity index (L/D) was calculated. The sphericity index can be simplified as long-axis/short-axis.

Results:

In the ex vivo standard model study, the long- and short-axis diameters and sphericity indices were not statistically different between the 14G, 16G, and 19G groups. In the ex vivo porcine lung study, the long- and short-axis diameters did not differ statistically between the 14G, 16G, and 19G groups (P < 0.05 each). The sphericity index for the 19G microwave antenna was higher than the sphericity indices for the 14G and 16G microwave antennas (P < 0.05); however, the index for the 14G microwave antenna was not statistically different than that for the 16G microwave antenna (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

The ablation zone of the 19G antenna was the same as those of the 14G and 16G antennas in vitro. Thus, the 19G antenna may reduce the incidence of complications in lung tumor ablation.
The efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Zexu , Yang Baixia , Zhan Ping , Wang Li , Wan Bing
Published: January 2023

The controversy over the efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) has existed for a long time. The present study reassessed the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) data to investigate whether PORT can improve survival in resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The following databases were used to perform literature search: PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Embase (from January 1, 1986 to July 5, 2021). The results of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated as hazard ratio (HR). Confidence intervals are chosen with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 12 RCTs and 19 retrospective cohort studies were found to meet the inclusion criteria. A significant DFS improvement was detected in the PORT group (4111 patients from 15 studies), although statistical difference was not detected for OS between the non-PORT and PORT groups (31 studies, 49,342 total patients). PORT prolonged OS in patients undergoing PORT plus postoperative chemotherapy (POCT) and in pN2 patients. Patients with a median radiation dose of 50.4 Gy and a median radiation dose of 54 Gy had a better OS after PORT. However, if the total radiotherapy dose went up to 60 Gy, PORT increased the risk of death in NSCLC patients. Significant difference in OS was not found in the results of studies with regard to treatment methods, pathologic stages, study type, radiation beam quality, and radiation dose. Patients undergoing postoperative chemoradiotherapy and pN2 patients can benefit from PORT. Patients exposed to median radiation doses of 50.4 and 54 Gy demonstrated relatively good efficacy. For patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, PORT has not been proven to extend OS, but its effect on DFS remains strong.
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells expressing BMP2 suppress glioma stem cell growth and stemness through Bcl-2/Bax signaling
Authors: Feng Jizhen , Yao Zhigang , Yang Hongan , Ma Jiwei , Zhong Xiuming , Qin Yejun , Li Jiamei
Published: January 2023

Objectives:

To find an effective molecule that controls glioma stem cell (GSC) proliferation and differentiation for the development of future therapeutic interventions against glioblastoma.

Material and Methods:

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were infected with a lentiviral vector to express BMP2. Cell viability, cell counting, and tumor sphere formation assays, as well as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting were used to investigate the effects of BMSC-BMP2 on GSCs.

Results:

The results of flow cytometry and the CKK-8 assay showed that BMSC-BMP2 induced GSC apoptosis while inhibiting proliferation. BMSC-BMP2 decreased GSC neurosphere formation and neurospheres' transverse and vertical diameter. Meanwhile, BMSC-BMP2 downregulated GSC Nanog and OCT4 expression levels, suggesting stemness inhibition. Western blotting showed that BMSC-BMP2 increased Bax protein expression and significantly decreased Bcl-2 protein expression. Accordingly, the Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased.

Conclusion:

BMSC-BMP2 could effectively inhibit GSC proliferation, induce GSC apoptosis, and decrease GSC stemness, thereby providing a novel strategy for treating malignant glioma.
Comparison of nomogram with random survival forest for prediction of survival in patients with spindle cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshuai , Liang Jing , Du Zhaohui , Xie Qi , Li Ting , Tang Fang
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC) is a relatively rare tumor with an unfavorable prognosis. This study aimed to develop and validate a prediction model for the individual survival of patients with SpCC using Cox regression and the random survival forest (RSF) model.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with SpCC between 2004 and 2016 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, and randomly divided into training and validating cohorts. Cox regression and RSF were used to identify prognostic predictors and build prediction models. A nomogram based on Cox regression was constructed to predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival of patients with SpCC. Internal validation was conducted using the bootstrapping method. We evaluated the discrimination accuracy and calibration of the model using Harrell's C-index and calibration plot, respectively.

Results:

Two hundred and fifty patients diagnosed with SpCC with required information were enrolled in this study. Multivariate Cox regression and RSF identified age, primary site, grade, SEER stage, tumor size, and treatment as significant prognostic predictors of SpCC. The bootstrapped and validated C-indices were 0.812 and 0.783 for nomogram, and 0.790 and 0.768 for RSF, respectively. Calibration plot of the nomogram showed an agreement between the prediction and actual observation.

Conclusions:

The nomogram developed in this study is a promising tool with a simplified presentation that can easily be used and interpreted by clinicians for evaluating the survival of each patient with SpCC; its performance was comparable to that of RSF. Application of such models are needed to help oncologists identify the high-risk patients and improve clinical decision making of SpCC treatment.
Reminiscence therapy involved care programs as an option to improve psychological disorders and patient satisfaction in elderly lung cancer patients
Authors: Guo Qingfeng , Li Tianzhu , Cao Te , Ma Chongyi
Published: January 2023

Objective:

Reminiscence therapy (RT) is frequently used with elderly patients to improve their psychological status, but a few studies have examined its application in lung cancer patients. This study explored whether a reminiscence therapy-involved care program (RTICP) could improve cognitive functions, anxiety, depression, patient satisfaction, and survival in elderly lung cancer patients.

Materials and Methods:

This randomized, controlled study enrolled 138 elderly post-operative lung cancer patients into two groups, an RTICP group (n = 69) and a usual care program (UCP) group (n = 69), for a 12-month intervention period and a follow-up period. During the 12-month intervention, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D), patient satisfaction, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

Results:

MMSE and patient satisfaction were elevated in the RTICP group compared to the UCP group at month (M) 12. Additionally, RTICP reduced HADS-A at M6, M9, and M12 and the anxiety rate at M9, HADS-D at M9, and M12 compared to UCP, whereas the depression rate was no different between the two groups at any time (all P > 0.050). Moreover, DFS and OS were no different between the two groups (all P > 0.050).

Conclusion:

RTICP, considered as an optional psychological intervention, enhances cognitive functions, alleviates anxiety and depression feelings, and elevates satisfaction among elderly lung cancer patients.
Tumor-suppressive role of microfibrillar associated protein 4 and its clinical significance as prognostic factor and diagnostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Jianguo , Liu Zhikun , Guo Haijun , Wei Xuyong , Wei Qiang , Zheng Shusen , Xu Xiao
Published: January 2023

Objective:

Revealing microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4)'s function and its clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to evaluate MFAP4 mRNA and protein expression in paired HCC and paracarcinoma tissues, respectively. MFAP4 serum concentration was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in healthy people (n = 30), cirrhosis (n = 15) and HCC patients (n = 80). MFAP4 protein expression was detected in two tissue microarrays (n = 60 and n = 90). Plasmids were transfected into human HCC cell line Bel-7402, and MFAP4 function was determined in vitro in cell experiments. Furthermore, tumorigenicity studies in nude mice served to assess the function of MFAP4 for HCC.

Results:

Both MFAP4 mRNA and protein expression were significantly downregulated in HCC tissue compared with paracarcinoma tissue (P < 0.05). Decreased MFAP4 expression in paracarcinoma tissue was associated with poor postoperative survival in HCC patients (P = 0.027). MFAP4 was also downregulated in HCC sera compared with healthy people (P < 0.05). In vitro, MFAP4 upregulation in Bel-7402 cells induced S phase arrest, promoted apoptosis, and inhibited migration and invasion. Western blotting indicated MFAP4 overexpression increased CDK4, CDK6, pRB, P27, and BCL-XS expression. Tumorigenicity study showed that the upregulation of MFAP4 inhibited the proliferation of Bel-7402 cells in nude mice.

Conclusions:

MFAP4 expression was significantly lower both in sera and tissue of HCC patients. MFAP4 can serve as molecular marker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, MFAP4 acted as an important HCC tumor suppressor by inducing S phase arrest, and promoting apoptosis, cell migration, and invasion.
Pancreatic intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic carcinoma
Authors: Wang Nan , Xu Jingwen , Wang Gang , Cao Pikun , Ye Xin
Published: January 2023

Objective:

To preliminarily evaluate the efficacy and safety of pancreatic intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy (PAIC) with nab-paclitaxel in patients with advanced pancreatic carcinoma.

Methods:

Fifteen patients with advanced pancreatic carcinoma received monthly, inpatient, 3-h, continuous PAIC of nab-paclitaxel at 180 mg/m2, combined with 60 mg oral tegafur gimeracil oteracil potassium capsule for 2 weeks. The therapeutic courses were repeated every 4 weeks. All patients had a preliminary diagnosis based on clinical symptoms, imaging data (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography/computed tomography), and tumor markers. The adverse effects, clinical benefit response (CBR), objective response rate (ORR), median progression free survival (mPFS), and median overall survival (mOS) were monitored.

Results:

Fifteen patients with advanced pancreatic carcinoma were enrolled in this study, including 10 male and 5 female patients. The mean age at the time of treatment was 66.3 years (53–84 years). A total of 49 cycles of PAIC (mean = 3.27 cycles/patient) were performed. The most common treatment-related toxicities were alopecia, diarrhea, and nausea/vomiting. No procedure-related complications were observed. The longest overall survival observed was 22 months and the maximum number of treatments for the same patient was six cycles. PAIC contributed a high rate (13/15 [86.67%]) and fast (10/15 [66.67%]) easement of pain, with apparent symptom relief within 24 h, especially local pain symptom. The pain anesis rate was 13 (86.67%). CBR was achieved in 13 (86.67%) patients (95%CI [59.54,98.34]). ORR was achieved in four (26.67%) patients (95%CI [7.79,55.10]). Disease Control Rate was achieved in 14 (93.33%) patients. The mPFS was 5.22 months (interquartile range [IQR], 4.27–7.85 months). The mOS was 8.97 months (IQR, 5.65–13.70 months).

Conclusions:

In this study, the dose of the chemotherapeutics and the schedule of the transcatheter pancreatic arterial chemotherapy perfusion were shown to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective for the relief of clinical symptoms and CBR. These advantages can quickly establish the treatment belief and improve patient quality of life. This regimen requires further investigation in patients with advanced pancreatic carcinoma.
Emergency Physicians' Awareness of Medico-Legal Case Management
Authors: Alabdulqader Shahad , Alabdulqader Rana , Madadin Mohammed , Kashif Haider , Al Jumaan Mohammed A. , Yousef Abdullah Abdulsalam , Menezes Ritesh G.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Emergency department physicians often encounter medico-legal cases when patients initially present to the hospital, and thus there is a strong need for them to have robust medico-legal management and reporting knowledge.

Objective:

To assess the awareness of emergency department physicians of two major hospitals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in managing medico-legal cases.

Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional survey-based study included all adult and pediatric emergency physicians working at King Fahd Hospital of the University and King Fahd Specialist Hospital, two major government hospitals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included questions about demographic information, the workload in the emergency department, previous medico-legal training, and information about physicians' perspectives regarding medico-legal situations.

Results:

A total of 85 physicians completed the questionnaire, with most being Saudis (78.8%) and consultants (44.7%). Most participants (84.7%) immediately notified the police authority through the official procedure on suspicion of a case being criminal. However, only 28.2% of the participants were aware of how to complete the medico-legal report, and the majority (82.4%) had not received any specific training or attended specific courses in writing medico-legal reports. Most participants (91.8%) expressed the need for additional medico-legal case training programs, with continuous education (29.4%) being the preferred mode. In addition, 60% of the consultants were dissatisfied with the current medico-legal reporting and management workflow in their hospital. About half of the participants did not obtain photographs in medico-legal cases and did not know if their workplace provided a protocol for collecting evidentiary material such as clothes, swabs, bullets, remnants of foreign bodies, etc.

Conclusions:

The results of the present study indicate the necessity to consider periodical continuing medical education programs and workshops for emergency department physicians in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia to help them in appropriately handling medico-legal cases.