1,720,991 research outputs found
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Appropriate Similarity Measures for Author Cocitation Analysis
Full text linkWe provide a number of new insights into the methodological discussion about author cocitation analysis. We first argue that the use of the Pearson correlation for measuring the similarity between authors’ cocitation profiles is not very satisfactory. We then discuss what kind of similarity measures may be used as an alternative to the Pearson correlation. We consider three similarity measures in particular. One is the well-known cosine. The other two similarity measures have not been used before in the bibliometric literature. Finally, we show by means of an example that our findings have a high practical relevance.information science;Pearson correlation;cosine;similarity measure;author cocitation analysis
The importance of a correct timing of kidney ultrasound in patients with congenital solitary kidney
No full textComparing available treatments for pollen-induced allergic rhinitis in children
No full textIntroduction Pollen-induced allergic rhinitis (PIAR) is a widespread disease in children, and its prevalence is rapidly evolving. In addition, it may be associated with other atopic diseases, in particular asthma. In most cases, PIAR can be treated effectively by avoiding exposure to responsible allergens and using symptomatic treatments, including intranasal/oral antihistamines or/and nasal corticosteroids, according to ARIA guidelines. In recent decades, new medicines have been studied and developed: allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), anti-IgE antibodies, and probiotics. In addition, nutraceuticals have also been used as add-on treatments. This review aims to discuss and compare the old and new therapeutic strategies for PIAR in children. Areas covered Allergic rhinitis is a type 2 inflammatory disease. The management of patients with PIAR entails medications, AIT, and ancillary therapies. In addition, children with PIAR and associated severe asthma may be inclusively treated with biologics. Namely, subjects with allergic comorbidities could benefit from biological agents. However, AIT presently remains the unique causal treatment for PIAR. Expert opinion New strategies may include combined treatments, mainly concerning fixed associations with antihistamines and corticosteroids, nutraceutical products, and new AIT formulations
Treatment of Severe Asthma: Case Report of Fast Action of Mepolizumab in a Patient with Recent SARS-CoV-2 Infection
No full textAsthma is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases of childhood with a heterogeneous impact on health and quality of life. Mepolizumab is an antagonist of interleukin-5, indicated as an adjunct therapy for severe refractory eosinophilic asthma in adolescents and children aged >6 years old. We present the case of a 9 year-old boy with severe asthma who experienced several asthmatic exacerbations following a SARS-CoV-2 infection, necessitating therapy with short-acting bronchodilators, oral corticosteroids, and hospitalization. We follow the patient using validated questionnaires for the evaluation of asthma control: Children Asthma Control Test, Asthma Control Questionnaire, respiratory function tests, and evaluation of exhaled nitric oxide fraction. After 12 weeks from the start of therapy with mepolizumab, we found significant improvements in lung function, a reduction in the degree of bronchial inflammation, and improvements in quality of life. No asthmatic exacerbations have been reported since the initiation of treatment with mepolizumab. Respiratory infections, such as those related to SARS-CoV-2, represent a significant risk factor for exacerbations in patients with moderate to severe forms of asthma. In our experience, following new episodes of exacerbation, the initiation of treatment with mepolizumab has allowed us to improve asthma control and enhance the quality of life of patients from the first doses. Although mepolizumab showed promise in this child with severe asthma during SARS-CoV-2 infection, the results from this single case cannot be generalized. Further studies are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness
Vitamin D status can affect COVID-19 outcomes also in pediatric population
No full textBACKGROUND: vitamin D influences the immune system and the inflammatory response. It is known that vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of acute respiratory tract infection. In the last two years, many researchers have investigated vitamin D’s role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 disease. RESULTS: the findings obtained from clinical trials and systematic reviews highlight that most patients with COVID-19 have decreased vitamin D levels and low levels of vitamin D increase the risk of severe disease. This evidence seems to be also confirmed in the pediatric population. CONCLUSIONS: further studies (systematic review and meta-analysis) conducted on children are needed to confirm that vitamin D affects COVID-19 outcomes and to determine the effectiveness of supplementation and the appropriate dose, duration and mode of administration
Resveratrol plus carboxymethyl-β-glucan for children with respiratory diseases
No full textRespiratory infections in children, ranging from mild to severe, are a leading cause of school absences and medical visits, creating significant socio-economic burdens for families. Recent interest has focused on resveratrol, a natural polyphenol known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. When combined with carboxymethyl-β-glucan (CM-glucan), a modified polysaccharide with immunostimulatory effects, this formulation has shown potential benefits in managing respiratory diseases. Our research examines five randomized clinical trials investigating the efficacy of resveratrol and CM-glucan nasal solutions in children. The trials included children with recurrent respiratory infections (RRIs) and allergic rhinitis. The results demonstrate significant reductions in key respiratory symptoms, including nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, and fever. In addition to symptomatic relief, the treatment was associated with fewer medical visits, decreased medication use, and reduced school absences. Importantly, the combination also showed efficacy in decreasing wheezing episodes in non-atopic children with RRIs and improving symptoms of allergic rhinitis. While these findings are promising, the studies are limited by small sample sizes and short-term follow-up periods, raising questions about the long-term efficacy and safety of the treatment. Mild and transient nasal irritation was the only reported side effect. Based on these concepts, the combination of resveratrol and carboxymethyl-β-glucan could be considered a valuable add-on strategy, complementing standard pharmacological treatments for pediatric respiratory infections and allergic conditions. © 2024 Codon Publications. Published by Codon Publications
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