bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EL LADRÓN DE LEVITA, DE JORGE VELASCO MACKENZIE, UN APRENDIZ DEL MAL EN CONTEXTOS VIOLENTOS
Authors: Correa Mariagusta 
Published: December 2024

La presente investigación cualitativa explora y analiza la novela El ladrón de levita, de Jorge Velasco Mackenzie, desde una perspectiva humanística y flosófca, asistida por un rastreo documental, teórico y crítico, que sustenta la labor hermenéutica planteada. A partir de ello, formula la construcción del sujeto infractor y su elección por la ética del mal, debido a condiciones biográfcas y a su exposición aprácticas reñidas con el bien, es decir, a su inmersión irreversible dentro de entornos violentos. Este proceso de construcción es detallado usando la misma expresión del personaje, “trinidad del mal” que, a manera de un tríptico, aborda los siguientes panelestemáticos: la elección por el mal, la materialización del mal en otra trinidad y la delimitación de los bordes entre el mal y lo ani-mal. El bestialismo, como tema complementario de esta novela plantea el desafío de explorar más detenidamente la tradición narrativa del Ecuador, con el propósito de mirar el comportamiento de este motivo y sus formas de representación y signifcados.
Palabras clave: El ladrón de levita, Jorge Velasco Mackenzie, narrativa ecuatoriana, ética del mal, criminal, bestialismo. AbstractThis qualitative research explores and analyzes the novel El ladrón de levita by Jorge Velasco Mackenzie from a humanistic and philosophical perspective, supported by documentary, theoretical, and critical research that supports the proposed hermeneutic workFrom this, he formulates the construction of the ofending subject and its choice of the ethics of evil due to biographical conditions and its exposure to practices contrary to the good, that is, its irreversible immersion in violent environments. This process of constructionis through the same carácter expression, “trinity of evil,” which, as a triptych, addresses the following thematic panels: the choice of evil, the materialization of evil in another trinity, and the delimitation of the boundaries between evil and the ani-evil. Bestialism,as a complementary theme of this novel, poses the challenge of exploring more closely the Ecuadorian narrative tradition in order to study the behavior of this motif and its forms of representation and meanings.
Keywords: El ladrón de levita, Jorge Velasco Mackenzie, ecuadorian narrative, ethics of evil, criminal, bestiality
EFECTO DEL CRECIMIENTO ECONÓMICO SOBRE LA CONTAMINACIÓN ENTRE 2000-2018: LA CURVA DE KUZNETS AMBIENTAL (CKA)
Authors: Villavicencio Daniela Melissa , Tapia Karen Irene , Endara Patricia 
Published: December 2024

El presente trabajo de investigación tiene como objetivo analizar el impacto del crecimiento económico sobre la contaminación ambiental en los países de altos, medios y bajos ingresos, entre 2000- 2018, mediante la aplicación de la hipótesis de la Curva de Kuznets Ambiental (CKA). La metodología utilizada es la de panel de datos con efectos fijos, para 94 países, y las principales variables utilizadas para las estimaciones son: las emisiones de CO2 per cápita, el PIB per cápita, y el consumo de energía. Finalmente, la hipótesis de la Curva de Kuznets Ambiental no se cumple para todos los grupos de países analizados, sin embargo, se confirma el efecto positivo entre el crecimiento económico y la contaminación ambiental.
Palabras clave: Crecimiento-económico, emisiones-CO2, curva Kuznets-ambiental, energías-renovables, políticas ambientales.
AbstractThe objective of this research work is to analyze the impact of economic growth on environmental pollution in high, medium, and low-income countries between 2000-2018 through the application of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. The methodology used is the panel data with fixed effects for 94 countries, and the main variables used for the estimates are CO2 emissions per capita, GDP per capita, and energy consumption. Finally, the hypothesis of the Environmental Kuznets Curve is not fulfilled for all the groups of countries analyzed; however, the positive effect between economic growth and environmental pollution is confirmed.
Keywords: Economic growth, CO2 emissions, environmental Kuznets curve, renewable energies, environmental policies.
Direct observation of small scale capillary wave turbulence using high speed digital holographic microscopy
Authors: Connacher William , Orosco Jeremy , Schmidt Oliver T. , Friend James 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionIt is now known that capillary waves driven upon a fluid interface by high frequency (>1 MHz) ultrasound exhibit capillary wave turbulence: the appearance of waves with phase and wavelength far removed from the excitation signal that drives them. These waves are responsible in significant part for atomization, a useful application for ultrasound, though the physics responsible for their appearance is poorly understood.MethodsWe use high-speed digital holographic microscopy to observe these capillary waves, an important step towards understanding their generation and atomization phenomena.ResultsWe observe Zakharov-Kolmogorov weak wave turbulence for a limited range of input power, and find broader turbulence phenomena outside this range. We see discrete thresholds as the input power is increased, where higher and higher frequency responses are driven in the capillary waves with sudden onset between regimes.DiscussionWe employed spatial analysis to find extensions of the capillary wave response to higher frequencies, suggesting there is additional information in the spatial distribution of the capillary wave that is rarely if ever measured. We verified via frequency modulation that nonlinear resonance broadening is present, which undermines the use of Faraday wave or parametric wave theories to characterize these waves, important in the context of atomization which is now, definitively, not a Faraday wave process.
Association between asthma and cardiovascular disease: evidence from the national health and nutrition examination survey 1999–2018
Authors: Peng Biao , Zhao Wenjing , Wan Fang , Ji Zhonghai , Luo Runkun , Wang Sheng , Cao Anhua , Yang Zhichao , Liu Da , Tang Changchun , Deng Ping 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundCardiovascular disease(CVD) remains a significant global challenge. Asthma, which is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible and limited airflow, plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between asthma and CVD.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included demographic, laboratory, and questionnaire data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018. CVD included stroke, congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, and angina. Multiple logistic regression models were used to detect the association between asthma and the prevalence of CVD, adjusting for age, gender, race, education level, body mass index, ratio of family income to poverty, smoking exposure, drinking exposure, diabetes history, hypertension history, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) history, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) history. A subgroup analysis was performed to investigate the association between asthma and CVD in different populations.ResultsIn total, 16,807 participants were included in this study, including 2,446 who reported having asthma. Compared with participants without asthma, the prevalence of stroke in those with asthma was increased by 1.607 times; the prevalence of congestive heart failure was increased by 1.911 times. Asthma significantly increased the prevalence of stroke among participants aged 18–44 years old, with a BMI 18.50–29.99 kg/m2, with low education levels, and with a PIR &lt; 1.00. Asthma also increased the prevalence of angina in females, non-Hispanic Blacks, participants aged 45–59 years old, with a BMI ≥ 30.00 kg/m2, and with a PIR &lt; 1.00. The prevalence of congestive heart failure was positively associated with asthma in non-Hispanic Whites or Blacks, participants aged ≥45 years old, with a BMI 25.00–29.99 kg/m2, with a PIR &lt; 1.00, and with a low or middle education level.ConclusionAsthma significantly increases the prevalence of stroke, congestive heart failure. Patients with asthma should be monitored for CVD, including stroke and congestive heart failure.
A comprehensive examination and analysis of the effectiveness and safety of finerenone for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jianyu , Xue Jisu , Chen Jiahui , Xie Tingfei , Sui Xiaolu , Zhang Yanzi , Zhang Aisha , Xu Yunpeng , Chen Jihong 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesThe study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of finerenone in patients diagnosed with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).MethodsVarious databases including PubMed, Sinomed, Web of Science, Embase, Clinical Trials, and Cochrane Library were systematically reviewed for pertinent studies published from the beginning to February 2024.This meta-analysis utilized RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.1.ResultsThe analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials involving 13,943 participants found that finerenone treatment significantly decreased the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio compared to placebo. Additionally, the risk of COVID-19, cardiovascular events, and estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) reduction of at least 40% were all significantly lower in the finerenone treatment group. However, the finerenone group did experience higher baseline increases in serum potassium levels. The meta-analysis revealed that there was no variation in the likelihood of general negative outcomes (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.98, 1.01, I2 = 0%) and the occurrence of cancers (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.83, 1.18,I2 = 0%) among the two categories.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that finerenone has the potential to lower the chances of end-stage kidney disease, renal failure and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with diabetic kidney disease. It is important to monitor for hyperkalemia risk. The administration of finelidone among individuals with diabetic kidney disease may potentially mitigate the susceptibility to contracting COVID-19.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024536612.
Awareness and infection prevention practices of hepatitis B virus among informal caregivers in public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024
Authors: Kasse Tsehaynew , Solomon Tebibu , Mesfin Abel , Lonsako Arega Abebe , Orkaido Okaso , Agegnehu Yalemzer , Haile Addisalem 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global health challenge, leading to approximately 1.1 million deaths annually. Informal caregivers of HBV patients face an increased risk of exposure, yet there is limited research on their awareness and infection prevention practices. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and practices regarding HBV among informal caregivers in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 15 to July 15, 2024, involving 422 informal caregivers selected through a systematic random sampling. Data were collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires that were pretested. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with logistic regression identifying factors influencing awareness and practices, set at p &lt; 0.05.ResultsOut of 414 surveyed caregivers (response rate: 98.1%), the mean age was 34.31 years (±12), with 63% female and 47.6% single. Only 24.9% (95% CI: 20.7–29.1%) showed good awareness, and merely 11.6% (95% CI: 8.5–14.7%) demonstrated good practices. Key factors associated with better awareness included caregivers' positive attitudes (AOR: 2.54) and patient functional levels (AOR: 1.9). Good practices were linked to higher education levels (AORs: 4.84 and 5.3), acute disease status (AOR: 3.6), and positive attitudes (AOR: 4.37).ConclusionsThe study reveals inadequate awareness and practices among informal caregivers compared to national averages. Awareness was linked to caregivers' attitudes and patient activity levels, while education, awareness, attitudes, and disease type significantly influenced good practices.
A review on emerging pharmaceutical residues in Ethiopia: occurrence, ecotoxicological aspects, and regulatory concerns
Authors: Tegegne Addisu Afrassa , Mekasha Yesuneh Tefera , Ayu Adugna Abera , Hasen Gemmechu , Suleman Sultan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPharmaceuticals are expected to improve human and animal health, but improper management and regulation have led to adverse effects such as reproductive disorders, antibiotic resistance, and biodiversity loss in ecosystems. Their presence in the environment poses significant risks, including a reduction in biodiversity, reproductive issues, and the development of antimicrobial resistance. This review aims to examine the occurrence and sources of pharmaceuticals in the environment and their ecotoxicological and regulatory aspects, with a focus on Ethiopia.MethodsA narrative review of relevant studies conducted in Ethiopia was undertaken. The review included findings on the occurrence, sources, contributing factors, ecotoxicological impacts, and regulatory concerns related to pharmaceutical residues in the environment. Literature was sourced from Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and institutional repositories.ResultThe findings revealed the detection of pharmaceutical residues in wastewater treatment facilities, aquatic environments (e.g., lakes and rivers), and commercially available animal products. Aquatic samples also showed significant concentrations, with sulfamethoxazole and fluconazole detected at 0.15 μg/L and 0.012 μg/L, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance genes were identified in wastewater and treatment plant samples, which correlate with the presence of pharmaceutical residues. An ecological risk assessment based on the risk quotient (RQ) revealed ciprofloxacin as a major concern, with an RQ of 8.58, indicating high ecological risk. Sulfonamides exhibited moderate risk, with RQ values ranging from 0.1 to 1.ConclusionThe study highlights the significant presence of pharmaceutical residues in the environment and underscores the inadequacy of regulatory enforcement in addressing this public health issue. Urgent measures are required to prevent environmental contamination and mitigate public health risks, including antimicrobial resistance. Strengthened regulatory measures and proactive interventions by relevant organizations are essential to control and prevent pharmaceutical residues in the environment, offering a critical solution for the country.
Research trends and focus of prosthetic joint infections from 2013 to 2023: bibliometric and visualization studies
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Li Fei , Zhao Diqian , Duan Lei , Bai Wenzhe , Yan Bing 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPostoperative infections in artificial joints provide considerable difficulties in the field of orthopedics, especially after joint replacement procedures. These infections rank among the most severe postoperative consequences, frequently leading to treatment ineffectiveness and reduced quality of life for surgery patients. Consequently, it is crucial to acquire knowledge about worldwide research trends in this area in order to educate clinical practices and improve therapeutic techniques. This work exploits bibliometric analysis to investigate the present state, developing patterns, and main areas of focus in research on artificial joint infection.ObjectiveTo analyze the research trends, hotspots, and international collaborations on artificial joint infections worldwide from 2013 to 2023.MethodsExtractions of raw data were made from the WoSCC (Web of Science Core Collection) database. Detailed information collected includes the quantity of publications, authors, citations, publication year, h-index, references, country/region, journal, and keywords. Analysis of the data was conducted using VOSviewer version 1.6.10.0 and CiteSpace version 6.3.R1.ResultsA total of 1,799 articles published between 2013 and 2023 were included in this analysis, showing a steady increase in publication with the United States leading at 553 articles. Infection rates and topics such as biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance were highly cited, with Mayo Clinic contributing 65 articles as the most prolific institution.ConclusionResearch on biofilm infections, antibiotic resistance, and new biomarkers is a key focus, particularly on disrupting biofilms and enhancing diagnostics. There’s growing attention in biomarkers like α-defensins and exosomal miRNAs for PJI diagnosis, pointing to new clinical uses. Studies on antimicrobial-coated prosthetics and topical agents are also gaining importance in treatment strategies.
Influences of different sedatives on gastric antrum contraction in patients with acute brain injury
Authors: Mei Meihua , Yao Mingli , Li Jingchao , Qiu Chunfang , Wang Yufang , Li Yan , Shi Lei , Wang Lingyan , Ouyang Bin 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPatients with acute brain injury (ABI) often exhibit gastrointestinal motility disorder and the administration of sedatives may exacerbate the gastrointestinal dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the influences of different sedatives on gastric antrum contraction in patients with acute brain injury (ABI).MethodsA prospective observational study was performed in 37 adult ICU patients with ABI, and 18 adult healthy volunteers were recruited as normal controls. Gastric motility, including frequency (ACF), amplitude (ACA), and motility index (MI), was measured with ultrasound before and after using sedatives, either propofol (Group A), midazolam (Group B), or dexmedetomidine (Group C). The influences of different sedatives on gastric motility were analyzed.ResultsAll patients with acute brain injury (n = 37) exhibited decreased ACF and MI compared with those in healthy control (n = 18) (ACF: 2.41 ± 0.89 times/2 min in ABI vs. 4.5 ± 0.39 times/2 min in control, MI: 1.25 ± 0.57 in ABI vs. 3.59 ± 0.24 in control, p = 0.001). All sedatives, either propofol, midazolam, or dexmedetomidine, had inhibited effects on gastric motilities [In Group A (n = 13), 1.14(0.59, 1.44) before vs. 0.84(0.09, 0.83) after, p = 0.002; In group B (n = 12), 1.48(0.73, 1.62) before vs. 0.31(0.04, 0.58) after, p = 0.007; In Group C (n = 12), 2.74(1.70, 3.01) before vs. 1.39(0.70, 2.28)]. However, dexmedetomidine showed significantly less inhibition either on ACA or MI compared with propofol and midazolam (ACA 20.67 ± 33.59% in dexmedetomidine, 51.50 ± 32.83% in propofol, 60.43 ± 22.40% in midazolam, p = 0.002; MI 36.00 ± 34.77% in dexmedetomidine, 60.69 ± 27.49% in propofol, 68.81 ± 20.84% in midazolam, p = 0.012).ConclusionPatients with ABI exhibited decreased gastric motility. All sedatives, either propofol, midazolam, or dexmedetomidine, had inhibited effects on gastric motilities. Dexmedetomidine has less inhibitory effects on ACA and MI compared with propofol and midazolam.
Indole 3-acetate and response to therapy in borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Braadland Peder R. , Farnes Ingvild , Kure Elin H. , Yaqub Sheraz , McCann Adrian , Ueland Per M. , Labori Knut Jørgen , Hov Johannes R. 
Published: December 2024

Background/AimsIt was recently reported that a higher concentration of the bacterially produced metabolite indole 3-acetate (3-IAA) in blood was linked to a better response to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here, we aimed to extend these observations to patients diagnosed with non-metastatic PDAC.MethodWe measured circulating 3-IAA in samples from a prospective population-based cohort of 124 patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced PDAC, collected before initiating neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The majority (61%) of the patients were treated with FOLFIRINOX. We used univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate the association between pre-treatment 3-IAA and overall survival.ResultsThe median serum 3-IAA concentration before chemotherapy was 290 (interquartile range 203–417) ng/mL. The unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for pre-treatment log2(3-IAA) was 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.74–1.16], p=0.52. When adjusting for age, ECOG, CA19-9 and tumor classification, the HR for log2(3-IAA) was 0.87, 95% CI [0.68–1.12], p=0.28.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the potentiating effect of 3-IAA observed in metastatic PDAC undergoing chemotherapy may not translate to borderline resectable or locally advanced PDAC. We recommend additional clinical validation of 3-IAA’s predictive value in different categories of PDAC before implementation attempts in human studies are initiated.
Combined use of super-resolution ultrasound imaging and shear-wave elastography for differential diagnosis of breast masses
Authors: Lei Yu-Meng , Liu Chen , Hu Hai-Man , Li Nan , Zhang Ning , Wang Qi , Zeng Shu-E , Ye Hua-Rong , Zhang Ge 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesShear-wave elastography (SWE) provides valuable stiffness within breast masses, making it a useful supplement to conventional ultrasound imaging. Super-resolution ultrasound (SRUS) imaging enhances microvascular visualization, aiding in the differential diagnosis of breast masses. Current clinical ultrasound diagnosis of breast cancer primarily relies on gray-scale ultrasound. The combined diagnostic potential of tissue stiffness and microvascular characteristics, two critical tumor biomarkers, remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between the elastic modulus, assessed using SWE, and microvascular characteristics captured through SRUS, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of combining these techniques in distinguishing between benign and malignant breast masses.Materials and methodsIn this single-center prospective study, 97 patients underwent SWE to obtain parameters including maximum elasticity (Emax), minimum elasticity (Emin), mean elasticity (Emean), standard deviation of elasticity (Esd), and elasticity ratio. SRUS was used to calculate the microvascular flow rate and microvessel density (MVD) within the breast masses. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore correlations between Emax and MVD. Receiver operating characteristic curves and nomogram were employed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of combining SRUS with SWE, using pathological results as the gold standard.ResultsEmax, Emean, Esd, and MVD were significantly higher in malignant breast masses compared to benign ones (p &lt; 0.001), while Emin was significantly lower in malignant masses (p &lt; 0.05). In Spearman correlation analysis, Emax was significantly positively correlated with MVD (p &lt; 0.01). The area under the curve for SRUS combined with SWE (0.924) was significantly higher than that for SWE (0.883) or SRUS (0.830) alone (p &lt; 0.001), thus indicating improved diagnostic accuracy. The decision curve analysis of the nomogram indicated that SWE combined with SRUS model had a higher net benefit in predicting breast cancer.ConclusionsThe MVD of the breast mass shows a significant positive correlation with Emax. By integrating SRUS with SWE, this study proposes a novel diagnostic approach designed to improve specificity and accuracy in breast cancer detection, surpassing the limitations of current ultrasound-based methods. This approach shows promise for early breast cancer detection, with the potential to reduce the need for unnecessary biopsies and improve patient outcomes.