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Higher education often acts as a bridge to society, preparing people for future social, political, and economic roles. For many academics, social justice and social inclusion are areas of research interest and teaching expertise. As such, institutions of higher education are well placed to foster reflection on social justice, through research and teaching, and thereby impact the wider society as students take up their roles within it. Yet, higher education itself should be subject to critique from a social justice point of view. Our aim in this article is to provide one such critique. We will focus on PhD research supervision, and in particular the supervisor/supervisee relationship. We will argue that the hierarchical nature of supervision can give rise to injustice. We will use the concepts of epistemic injustice and epistemic power as explanatory tools to clarify what is at issue within dysfunctional supervisor/supervisee relationships. Throughout, we will make use of the mythological story, "The Salmon of Knowledge," to unpack the hierarchies involved in knowledge acquisition/creation. Finally, we will conclude by noting the space within the scholarship of teaching and learning wherein critique of the structures within higher education from a social justice point of view occur, and where there exist potential gaps in this scholarship.

Abstract Recent epidemiological studies have suggested a positive association between ultra-processed food consumption and breast cancer risk, although some studies also reported no association. Furthermore, the evidence regarding the associations between intake of food with lower degrees of processing and breast cancer risk is limited. Thus, we investigated the associations between dietary intake by degree of food processing and breast cancer risk, overall and by breast cancer subtypes in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Dietary intake of EPIC participants was assessed via questionnaires at baseline. More than 11,000 food ingredients were classified into four groups of food processing levels using the NOVA classification system: unprocessed/minimally processed (NOVA 1), culinary ingredients (NOVA 2), processed (NOVA 3) and ultra-processed (NOVA 4). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of breast cancer per standard deviation increase in daily consumption (grams) of foods from each NOVA group. The current analysis included 14,933 breast cancer cases, diagnosed among the 318,686 EPIC female participants, (median follow-up of 14.9 years). No associations were found between breast cancer risk and the level of dietary intake from NOVA 1 [HR per 1 SD=0.99 (95% CI 0.97 – 1.01)], NOVA 2 [HR per 1 SD =1.01 (95% CI 0.98 – 1.03)] and NOVA 4 [HR per 1 SD =1.01 (95% CI 0.99 – 1.03)] foods. However, a positive association was found between NOVA 3 and breast cancer risk [HR per 1 SD =1.05 (95% CI 1.03 – 1.07)] which became non-significant after adjustment for alcohol intake [HR per 1 SD =1.01 (95% CI 0.98 – 1.05)] or when beer and wine were excluded from this group [HR per 1 SD =0.99 (95% CI 0.97 – 1.01)]. The associations did not differ by breast cancer subtype, menopausal status or body mass index. Findings from this large-scale prospective study suggest that the positive association between processed food intake and breast cancer risk was likely driven by alcoholic beverage consumption. Graphical Abstract

Background: Interventional radiology techniques have become pivotal in recent years in managing metastatic bone disease, which frequently results in skeletal complications such as fractures and severe pain. Thermoablative methods like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA), when combined with vertebroplasty (VP), are proving increasingly beneficial for these patients. Methods: The search was independently conducted by two radiologists on MEDLINE databases, using specified strings up to April 2024. Methodological quality was assessed using PRISMA guidelines. Studies meeting inclusion criteria investigated thermoablation techniques (RFA and/or MWA) combined with VP, focusing on pain management and disease control outcomes in adults. Results: Among 147 results, 42 articles met the criteria, with varied prospective and retrospective designs and sample sizes averaging 49 patients, predominantly involving RFA (30 studies), MWA (11 studies), and one comparative study. Our review highlights significant pain reduction, effective local tumor control, and favorable safety of combined RFA or MWA with VP, supporting its potential in managing vertebral pathologies and warranting further clinical integration. Conclusions: The combined treatment of RFA/MWA with VP demonstrates significant pain reduction and local tumor control, with a rapid onset of analgesic effect. These findings support its crucial role in clinical practice for managing vertebral metastases.

This chapter provides an analysis of the institutionalization of SoTL at University College Cork in Ireland, offers some guiding questions to help individuals or groups reflect critically on their own SoTL institutionalization journeys, and suggests implications for further research on how institutionalization processes inform academic identity formation and career development of higher education professionals working in a SoTL institution.

This chapter draws upon duoethnographic methodology to invite readers into conversation about the complexity and importance of centering positionality in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). We suggest that self-reflection towards positional awareness fosters ethically rooted, authentic SoTL practice, and offer related considerations that we hope can help SoTL forward in articulating, and living by, its principles of critically collegial and inclusive co-creation.

Abstract Objective This study aims to create a new screening for preterm birth < 34 weeks after gestation with a cervical length (CL) ≤ 30 mm, based on clinical, demographic, and sonographic characteristics. Methods This is a post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial (RCT), which included pregnancies, in middle-gestation, screened with transvaginal ultrasound. After observing inclusion criteria, the patient was invited to compare pessary plus progesterone (PP) versus progesterone only (P) (1:1). The objective was to determine which variables were associated with severe preterm birth using logistic regression (LR). The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for both groups after applying LR, with a false positive rate (FPR) set at 10%. Results The RCT included 936 patients, 475 in PP and 461 in P. The LR selected: ethnics white, absence of previous curettage, previous preterm birth, singleton gestation, precocious identification of short cervix, CL < 14.7 mm, CL in curve > 21.0 mm. The AUC (CI95%), sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and PNV, with 10% of FPR, were respectively 0.978 (0.961-0.995), 83.4%, 98.1%, 83.4% and 98.1% for PP < 34 weeks; and 0.765 (0.665-0.864), 38.7%, 92.1%, 26.1% and 95.4%, for P < 28 weeks. Conclusion Logistic regression can be effective to screen preterm birth < 34 weeks in patients in the PP Group and all pregnancies with CL ≤ 30 mm.

We report on a 20-year-old pregnant woman who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and was diagnosed with KILT syndrome, a rare condition that increases the risk of thrombotic events. The patient showed signs of deep vein thrombosis that extended from the bilateral iliac vein to the inferior vena cava (IVC), which was treated with placement of an IVC filter and endovascular thromboaspiration/thrombolysis. The IVC was successfully recanalized; however, during follow-up, thrombotic restenosis occurred at the filter level, requiring filter removal. This case highlights the potential benefits of endovascular thromboaspiration/thrombolysis and IVC filter placement in patients with KILT syndrome presenting with acute thrombotic events.

Summary: Background: It is unknown whether the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and type 2 diabetes mellitus differs from other degrees of food processing. We examined the association between degree of food processing and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This was a prospective cohort analysis of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Dietary intake was assessed at baseline using dietary questionnaires and classified according to the Nova classification into unprocessed/minimally processed food (MPF), processed culinary ingredients (PCI), processed food (PF) and UPF. Type 2 diabetes mellitus cases were verified through multiple methods. Cox regression and statistical substitution analysis was used to estimate associations between MPF + PCI, PF and UPF intake and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus. To investigate heterogeneity in the association between UPF and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus, UPF sub-group analysis was conducted. Different reference groups were used in each analysis. Findings: Over an average 10.9 years follow-up of 311,892 individuals, 14,236 type 2 diabetes mellitus cases were identified. Each 10% increment of total daily food intake from UPF (%g/day) was associated with 17% (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.14–1.19) higher incident type 2 diabetes mellitus. Each 10% increment in MPF + PCI or PF intake was associated with lower incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (MPF + PCI hazard ratio: 0.94 (95%CI: 0.92–0.96); PF hazard ratio: 0.92 (95%CI: 0.89–0.95)). Replacing UPF with MPF + PCI or PF was associated with lower incident type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, heterogeneity was observed across UPF sub-groups, with breads, biscuits and breakfast cereals, sweets and desserts, and plant-based alternatives associated with lower incident type 2 diabetes mellitus. Interpretation: These findings support recommendations to focus on reducing intake of specific UPF for lowering type 2 diabetes mellitus risk. Funding: International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Introdução: Segundo Boletim Epidemiológico HIV/AIDS 2023, no Brasil, de 2007 a 2023, foram 489.594 casos, com 43.403 novos casos em 2022. Quanto à AIDS, de 1980 a 2023, houveram 1.124.063 casos. Em 2022, foram 36.753 casos, com aumento de 3,8% em relação a 2021, mas ainda com incidência menor que em 2019, antes da pandemia de COVID-19 que contribuiu para reduzir notificações. A fim de elaborar estratégias de combate ao HIV, o Ministério da Saúde definiu como população-chave aquelas que apresentam altas prevalências de infecção pelo HIV quando comparadas à população geral, como trabalhadores sexuais e população em situação de rua. Objetivo: Analisar aspectos sociais, comportamentais e prevalência de HIV/AIDS em população-chave de Barretos-SP, a partir da testagem rápida e anônima. Método: Foram realizadas palestras sobre HIV/ADIS, distribuição de preservativos, folhetos educativos, oferta de testagem anônima por fluido oral, pois não é invasivo, tem baixo risco biológico e amplia acesso ao diagnóstico, e participação da pesquisa através de questionário anônimo em uma casa de prostituição e um abrigo de pessoas em situação de rua em Barretos-SP. Foram excluídos do estudo: recusa de participação e inelegibilidade para realização do teste de fluido oral. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética do Hospital de Amor de Barretos. Resultados: Na amostra de 50 participantes, não houve teste positivo para o HIV.Sobre sexo atribuído ao nascimento, 60% homens, 36% mulheres e 4% não responderam.15,2% foram pretos, 50% pardos, 26,1% brancos, 2,2% amarelos, 6,5% não declararam. A idade média foi de 39,8 anos, 66% eram de outro município, 26% trabalhadores sexuais, 50% em situação de rua, 18% tem antecedente prisional, 13% com IST prévia. Em relação ao uso de drogas, 15,2% não usam, 54,3% usam drogas lícitas, 28,3% usam ilícitas inalatórias e 2,2% usam ilícitas injetáveis.60,9% fazem sexo só com mulheres, 28,3% fazem sexo só com homens e 10,9% bissexuais. O autoteste de saliva contribuiu para decisão de realizar o teste em 47,8%.26,1% afirmaram nunca ter realizado o teste antes. Conclusão: A testagem da população-chave é estratégia reconhecida de prevenção do HIV/AIDS.O fato dos participantes, em sua maioria, serem oriundos de locais onde são feitas sorologias de ISTs regularmente e da pequena amostra podem justificar o achado de 100% de testes negativos. Apesar de nenhum teste positivo, é importante ampliar a testagem da população e o acesso à triagem para haver seguimento adequado a fim de reduzir casos de HIV/AIDS.

Introduction: In 2008, the International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (IWCLL) established criteria for treatment indications. The Brazilian CLL Group (GBLLC) has been evaluating a more conservative approach in the indication and initiation of treatment carried out in multiple centers. This approach eschews predefined cut-off levels for cytopenias and refrains from considering progressive lymphocytosis, extranodal involvement, or disease-related symptoms as isolated criteria. However, the safety and potential divergent outcomes of this conservative strategy in comparison to the more stringent IWCLL criteria had not yet been tested. Objective: To compare the outcomes of patients with CLL registered in the Brazilian CLL Registry (RBLLC) without indication of treatment according to the GBLLC criteria, who were treated or not based on the center's decision. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with CLL registered in the RBLLC who were followed between January 2009 and July 2023, meeting the minimum data availability criteria for analysis and following the IWCLL inclusion guidelines. Results/Discussion: A total of 2,511 patients from 41 centers were included. Among them, 1,404 patients (56%) met the treatment indication criteria set by IWCLL, while only 788 patients (31%) met the more conservative criteria established by GBLLC. Predominant indications for treatment initiation in the IWCLL indication group included cytopenias in 771 patients (55%), symptomatic lymphadenopathy in 330 patients (24%), and disease-related constitutional symptoms in 112 patients (8%). In the GBLLC indication group, common indications for treatment initiation comprised cytopenias in 413 patients (52%), symptomatic lymphadenopathy in 316 patients (40%), and autoimmune complications in 22 patients (3%). After a median follow-up of 58 months, the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 82%. The group of patients whose treatment indication were cytopenias demonstrated inferior OS compared to those with other indications. Of the total of 1,404 patients who had an indication according to the IWCLL, 1,149 received therapy. Median time to first treatment (TTT1) was 3.4 months (range: 1 – 231). Upon evaluating the duration between the treatment indication and its initiation, patients who waited over 18 months exhibited a superior OS in contrast to those with a waiting period of fewer than 18 months (82% vs. 69%, respectively; p = 0.004). Among patients with treatment indication according to IWCLL but without indication according to the GBLLC criteria, OS was significantly worse in treated patients (83%) as compared with untreated patients (97%, P < 0.0001). After multivariate analysis, receiving treatment was an independent risk factor for OS in patients with indication according to the IWCLL and but not to the GBLLC criteria. Conclusion: These real-world data suggest that a conservative approach to first-line treatment for CLL is not only safe but also linked to enhanced survival, potentially by reducing treatment-related toxicities and complications, such as infections, toxicities and clonal selection. Additionally, this strategy holds the potential to save resources improving access to medications for a larger pool of patients with a clear need for treatment, particularly in resource-limited countries.

Introduction: Ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, is associated with increased survival and prolonged response, even in high-risk scenarios, with relatively low toxicity compared to chemoimmunotherapy. However, a significant number of patients discontinue therapy due to intolerance and toxicity. It is essential to comprehend the factors contributing to discontinuation and the subsequent impact on outcomes. Objective: This analysis aims to utilize real-world data to assess ibrutinib's effectiveness and to examine factors contributing to discontinuation and the subsequent impact on clinical outcomes in Brazil. Methods: All patients who received ibrutinib as continuous monotherapy at any therapy line between January 2015 and March 2024, with essential minimum data on patient and treatment characteristics, clinical outcomes, and a minimum follow-up of three months, were included. Results/Discussion: A total of 278 patients from 29 centers were included. Ibrutinib was used in the first line of treatment (LoT) in 23%, second LoT in 42%, third line in 21%, and fourth or subsequent lines in 14%. The majority were male (63%), with a median age of 68 years (range: 35-95), and most (44%) had significant comorbidities. TP53 mutation or del(17p) status was assessed in 173 patients (62%), with 38 (22%) testing positive. The median duration of ibrutinib treatment was 28 months (range: 6 days - 103 months). The median interval between diagnosis and initiation of ibrutinib was 53 months (range: 0-330), shorter for those in 1st or 2nd lines (40 months) than later lines (89 months). Ibrutinib was discontinued in 51% of cases, primarily due to toxicity (32%), death (29%), disease progression (26%), and other factors (13%). In several cases, ibrutinib was replaced by another BTK inhibitor by the physician's preference A significant proportion (51%) experienced at least one treatment-related toxicity. Patients in the first or second line had fewer adverse events than those in later lines (46% vs. 59%, p = 0.04). Common toxicities included infections (28%), bleeding (11%), hematologic toxicity (9%), cardiac toxicity (5%), and diarrhea (4%). Atrial fibrillation occurred in 5% of cases. Median PFS was not reached. After a median follow-up of 50 months (range: 3-105), PFS was 64% at 4 years. PFS was significantly shorter in patients who received ibrutinib in later lines (48% vs. 72% in first or second lines, p < 0.0001), and in those with del(17p)/TP53 mutations compared to those without (50% vs. 69%, p = 0.008). The median time-to-next-treatment (TTNT) was 56 months: 17 months for patients who used ibrutinib for less than 2 years, 47 months for 2-4 years, and 84 months for more than 4 years. Overall survival (OS) at 4 years was 70%, shorter for patients in later lines (57% vs. 77% for 1st or 2nd lines, p = 0.006). The most common causes of death were infections in 63% of cases (on ibrutinib in 45%, and after stopping ibrutinib in 18%), disease progression (18%), and cardiac complications (7%). Conclusions: Ibrutinib shows favorable effectiveness in Brazilian CLL patients across all treatment lines. Intolerance and discontinuation were relatively common, affecting treatment effectiveness, especially in patients receiving ibrutinib late in the disease course, possibly related to cumulative adverse events from previous lines.

Objective:. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of drain fluid lipase as an early predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula and establish the most appropriate day for their measure. Background:. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula remains a potentially life-threatening complication after pancreatic surgery. Early detection strategies remain key to reduce both the incidence and the burden of pancreatic fistula. Methods:. The LIPAse DRAIN (LIPADRAIN) study is a multicenter, prospective diagnostic study conducted in 7 tertiary university hospitals. Drain fluid values to detect clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula from postoperative day 1 to postoperative day 6 were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. A biomarker was considered to be relevant for clinical use if its area under the curve (AUC) was greater than 0.75. Results:. Of the 625 patients included in the analysis, clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 203 (32%) patients. On postoperative days 3 and 4, drain fluid lipase was a reliable biomarker to detect clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (AUC: 0.761; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.761–0.799 and AUC: 0.784; 95% CI: 0.743–0.821, respectively). On postoperative day 3, with a threshold of 299 units/L, drain fluid lipase yielded a negative predictive value of 51%, sensitivity of 78%, and specificity of 63% for the detection of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula. Conclusions:. In this multicenter prospective study, drain fluid lipase is a reliable biomarker at postoperative days 3 and 4 for the diagnosis of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreatic surgery and should be systematically measured on postoperative day 3.

Glucose is the brain’s main fuel source, used in both energy and molecular production. Impaired glucose metabolism is associated with adult and pediatric neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), GLUT1 deficiency syndrome, and progressive myoclonus epilepsies (PMEs). PMEs, a group of neurological disorders typical of childhood and adolescence, account for 1% of all epileptic diseases in this population worldwide. Diffuse glucose hypometabolism is observed in the brains of patients affected by PMEs such as Lafora disease (LD), dentatorubral-pallidoluysian (DRPLA) atrophy, Unverricht–Lundborg disease (ULD), and myoclonus epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERRFs). PMEs also include neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), a subgroup in which lysosomal and autophagy dysfunction leads to progressive loss of vision, brain atrophy, and cognitive decline. We examine the role of impaired glucose metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in the NCLs. Our literature review, which includes findings from case reports and animal studies, reveals that glucose hypometabolism is still poorly characterized both in vitro and in vivo in the different NCLs. Better identification of the glucose metabolism pathway impaired in the NCLs may open new avenues for evaluating the therapeutic potential of anti-diabetic agents in this population and thus raise the prospect of a therapeutic approach able to delay or even halt disease progression.

In this article, I conduct an analysis of the characters of Italo Calvino's La speculazione edilizia. I specifically focus on their relationship with the natural environment to highlight gender-related differences. I argue that while men are more inclined to be seduced by the material gain of real estate speculation that damages the environment, women actively demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and display a strong connection to nature that is neither subordinate nor passive. Through my analysis, I demonstrate how women offer male characters a chance for redemption through the awakening of their emotions, in a consistent effort to establish a human relationship that parallels the retrieval of a lost environmental one. KEYWORDS: Calvino, environmental relationships, women, gender, La speculazione edilizia, Introduction In La speculazione edilizia [A Plunge into Real Estate), Italo Calvino narrates the reckless building process in Italy at the dawn of the economic boom, which caused rapid urban [...]

Abstract Periodically, the European Space Agency (ESA) updates scientific roadmaps in consultation with the scientific community. The ESA SciSpacE Science Community White Paper (SSCWP) 9, “Biology in Space and Analogue Environments”, focusses in 5 main topic areas, aiming to address key community-identified knowledge gaps in Space Biology. Here we present one of the identified topic areas, which is also an unanswered question of life science research in Space: “How to Obtain an Integrated Picture of the Molecular Networks Involved in Adaptation to Microgravity in Different Biological Systems?” The manuscript reports the main gaps of knowledge which have been identified by the community in the above topic area as well as the approach the community indicates to address the gaps not yet bridged. Moreover, the relevance that these research activities might have for the space exploration programs and also for application in industrial and technological fields on Earth is briefly discussed.

Hydrogen permeation sparked a renewed interest in the second half of the 20th century due to the favorable features of this element as an energy factor. Furthermore, niche applications such as nuclear fusion gained attention for the highest selectivity ensured by self-supported dense metallic membranes, especially those consisting of Pd-based alloys. In this framework, the ENEA Frascati laboratories have decades of experience in the manufacturing, integration, and operation of Pd-Ag permeators. Most of the experimental investigations were performed on single-tube membranes, proving their performance under relevant operational conditions. Nowadays, once the applicability of this technology has been demonstrated, the scalability of the single-tube experience over medium- and large-scale units must be verified. To do this, ENEA Frascati laboratories have designed and constructed a multi-tube permeator, namely the Medium-Scaled Membrane Reactor (MeSMeR), focused on scalability assessment. In this work, the results obtained with the MeSMeR facility have been compared with previous experimental campaigns conducted on single-tube units, and the scalability of the permeation results has been proven. Moreover, post-test simulations have been performed based on single-tube finite element modeling, proving the scalability of the numerical outcomes and the possibility of using this tool for scale-up design procedures.

Abstract Objectives To compare surgical and functional outcomes between off‐clamp robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy with indocyanine‐green tumour marking through preliminary superselective embolization and on‐clamp robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy with intraoperative ultrasound identification of the renal mass. Material and methods One hundred and forty patients with a single renal mass underwent indocyanine‐green fluorescence‐guided off‐clamp robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy with preoperative superselective embolization (Group A, 70 patients) versus intraoperative ultrasound‐guided on‐clamp robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy without embolization (Group B, 70 patients). We assessed operative time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, length of stay, renal function, need for ancillary procedures and blood transfusions. Results Mean tumour size was 24 versus 25 mm in Group A versus Group B (p = 0.19). Mean operative time was 86.5 versus 121.8 min (p = 0.02), mean blood loss was 72.8 versus 214.2 mL (p = 0.02), and mean haemoglobin drop on postoperative day 1 was 1.1 versus 2.6 g/dL (p = 0.04) in Group A versus Group B. One‐month creatinine, hospital stay and enucleated tumour volume were comparable. Ten postoperative complications occurred in Group A (13.3%) and 11 in Group B (15.3%). Following superselective embolization, no patients required blood transfusions versus two patients in Group B. Postoperative selective renal embolization was needed in one case per group. Conclusions Preoperative superselective embolization of a renal mass with indocyanine‐green before off‐clamp robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy significantly reduces operative time and intraoperative blood loss compared to on‐clamp intraoperative ultrasound‐guided robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy. A longer follow‐up is needed to establish the effect on renal function.

We report a case of a 40-year-old female with a solitary plasmacytoma of the right transverse apophysis of C1 who underwent combined transoral ablation using a curved steerable needle and cementoplasty under CBCT and infra-red augmented reality navigation system. An imaging work-up revealed an osteolytic lesion determining partial collapse of the right lateral mass of C1 and involving the vertebral foramen. After a biopsy, that revealed a solid tissue consistent with plasmacytoma, it was decided to proceed with radiation therapy. Subsequent PET-CT restaging scans showed residual tumors treated with a transoral percutaneous approach, combining ablation and cementoplasty. This report evaluates the benefits of this combined procedure and the transoral approach, focusing on the advantages of steerable devices and navigation systems.

Las intervenciones de Ángel Rama en la revista argentina Punto de Vista fueron cuatro y se fecharon entre 1978 y 1981. La primera, originalmente publicada en Venezuela, se llamó “Encuesta sobre sociología de la lectura” y apareció en el segundo número, de mayo de 1978. En este trabajo nos interesa revisar el desarrollo conceptual que Rama despliega en ella y nos preguntamos por el lugar que da a la invención teórica en su propuesta programática de ficción sociológica o sociologista. ¿Qué literatura, qué lector, qué formas literarias y qué instituciones le interesan calibrar, medir o interpretar a Ángel Rama con aquella encuesta? ¿De qué modos impacta su intervención en los marcos del latinoamericanismo?

Objectives Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and azathioprine (AZA) are immunomodulatory treatments in interstitial lung disease (ILD). This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of MMF or AZA on pulmonary function in ILD.Design Population included any ILD diagnosis, intervention included MMF or AZA treatment, outcome was delta change from baseline in per cent predicted forced vital capacity (%FVC) and gas transfer (diffusion lung capacity of carbon monoxide, %DLco). The primary endpoint compared outcomes relative to placebo comparator, the secondary endpoint assessed outcomes in treated groups only.Eligibility criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational studies were included. No language restrictions were applied. Retrospective studies and studies with high-dose concomitant steroids were excluded.Data synthesis The systematic search was performed on 9 May. Meta-analyses according to drug and outcome were specified with random effects, I2 evaluated heterogeneity and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation evaluated certainty of evidence. Primary endpoint analysis was restricted to RCT design, secondary endpoint included subgroup analysis according to prospective observational or RCT design.Results A total of 2831 publications were screened, 12 were suitable for quantitative synthesis. Three MMF RCTs were included with no significant effect on the primary endpoints (%FVC 2.94, 95% CI −4.00 to 9.88, I2=79.3%; %DLco −2.03, 95% CI −4.38 to 0.32, I2=0.0%). An overall 2.03% change from baseline in %FVC (95% CI 0.65 to 3.42, I2=0.0%) was observed in MMF, and RCT subgroup summary estimated a 4.42% change from baseline in %DLCO (95% CI 2.05 to 6.79, I2=0.0%). AZA studies were limited. All estimates were considered very low certainty evidence.Conclusions There were limited RCTs of MMF or AZA and their benefit in ILD was of very low certainty. MMF may support preservation of pulmonary function, yet confidence in the effect was weak. To support high certainty evidence, RCTs should be designed to directly assess MMF efficacy in ILD.PROSPERO registration number CRD42023423223.

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the erosive potential of various commercial energy drinks (EDs), sports drinks (SDs), and sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) and to correlate quantitative changes in tooth enamel volume loss based on the pH and titratable acidity of the drinks. Methods: A flat plane on the facial surface of 36 human incisor teeth was created and embedded in sample holders using resin. After pre-scanning with a profilometer (Proscan 2000, Scantron, Ind Products Ltd., Taunton, UK), the six samples per group were immersed for 4 h into either Monster Energy™ (ED), Rockstar™ (ED), Red Bull™ (ED), or 5-h Energy™ (ED) and, for comparison with a sports drink, Gatorade™ (SD) and a sugar sweetened beverage, Coca-Cola® (SSB). After immersion and post-scanning, the quantitative volume loss of the tooth enamel of the 36 samples was calculated (Proscan 3D software V2.1.1.15B), and the pH and titratable acidity (TA) of each drink was determined. Results: All drinks tested caused enamel volume loss. The actual amount varied among the different drinks, from 0.39 mm3 for Red Bull™, up to 1.01 mm3 for Gatorade™. The pH measurements differed for each drink, ranging from 2.6 to 3.7. There was a small reverse correlation of 0.326 between the pH of all drinks and volume loss. Among the energy drinks, titratable acidity was similar and there was only a weak correlation between TA and volume loss (0.319 at p = 0.53). Conclusions: Energy drinks, sugar sweetened beverages, and sport drinks all have the potential to cause enamel tooth surface loss resulting in demineralization. Therefore, the pH of a drink cannot be the sole determinant for choosing a less harmful commercial beverage.

Abstract Progress in mechanobiology allowed us to better understand the important role of mechanical forces in the regulation of biological processes. Space research in the field of life sciences clearly showed that gravity plays a crucial role in biological processes. The space environment offers the unique opportunity to carry out experiments without gravity, helping us not only to understand the effects of gravitational alterations on biological systems but also the mechanisms underlying mechanoperception and cell/tissue response to mechanical and gravitational stresses. Despite the progress made so far, for future space exploration programs it is necessary to increase our knowledge on the mechanotransduction processes as well as on the molecular mechanisms underlying microgravity-induced cell and tissue alterations. This white paper reports the suggestions and recommendations of the SciSpacE Science Community for the elaboration of the section of the European Space Agency roadmap “Biology in Space and Analogue Environments” focusing on “How are cells and tissues influenced by gravity and what are the gravity perception mechanisms?” The knowledge gaps that prevent the Science Community from fully answering this question and the activities proposed to fill them are discussed.

This paper proposes an analytical framework for co-designing wireless networked control systems (WNCSs) demonstrated in an industrial scenario. The framework allows us to quantitatively characterize the impact of wireless channel model accuracy when designing a controller to stabilize a WNCS. We consider a scenario consisting of two co-located wireless networks: the first connects the plant automation network backbone to field devices via WirelessHART, ISA-100.11a, or IEEE 802.15.4e, and the second uses IEEE 802.11 equipment to supply real-time multimedia data to the supervisory devices. First, we derive a parametric 802.11 interference characterization for an arbitrary number of active interfering devices and perform extensive parametric analysis. We then derive the message and packet error probability expressions necessary to develop an appropriate finite-state Markov channel model. Finally, we ran sizeable Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the impact of our channel model on the control performance of a wireless closed-loop system and compared it with the performance obtained using a Bernoulli channel model.

The Tetraodontiform family Triacanthidae Bleeker, 1859 is recorded for the first time from the Red Sea. Fishing experiments employing a commercial shrimp trawler off Jizan, Saudi Arabia, revealed species occurrences of short-nosed tripodfish, Triacanthus biaculeatus (Bloch, 1786) at depths ranging from about 11 to 34 m. Currently, this species has only been found in shallow sandy/muddy habitats in the southern Red Sea. Further surveys are imperative to demonstrate the actual distribution of short-nosed tripodfish across a wider range of environmental gradients along the Red Sea.