bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"This is and is not Cressid": Seeing Double in Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida
Authors: Roudabush William G.
Published: November 2023

Abstract: This article offers a new interpretation of Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida in the context of "that terrible Poetomachia " at the turn of the seventeenth century. It argues that Shakespeare stages a microcosm of the poets' war between the recently revived children's companies and the professional theater. Shakespeare appropriates conventions from the boy company repertories to defend against their caricatures of professional playing and its system of apprenticeship. Reading the play as a whole, and the character of Cressida in particular, as perspectival double images, it shows how Shakespeare uses the indeterminate body of the boy actor playing Cressida to create a visual analogy between the two and to foreground their shared dramatic situations. Through the figure of Cressida, Shakespeare metatheatrically dramatizes the vulnerability and exploitation of Elizabethan boy actors caught between warring theaters, and in doing so weaves the War of the Theaters into the Trojan War to reflect on his own contemporary theatrical market.
Origin and properties of polychromatic directional emission from sodium atoms
Authors: Akulshin Alexander M. , Pedreros Bustos Felipe , Rahaman Nafia , Budker Dmitry
Published: November 2023

The parametric and nonparametric nonlinear processes responsible for generation of directional infrared radiation in sodium vapors, excited to the 4D5/2 energy level by resonant laser radiation, are identified by the transfer of orbital angular momentum from the pump radiation to the generated fields. We show that the optical fields generated by amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) simultaneously participate in several loops of four-wave mixing (FWM) generating new directional emission. The measured spectral linewidth of the FWM emission at 819.7 nm sets an upper limit to the linewidth of two fields resulting from ASE at 2338.6 and 9093.0 nm, assuming their spectra are uncorrelated. Understanding details of the new-field generation is central to applications such as directional laser guide stars, stand-off magnetometry, and entangled field generation.
Low-temperature multi-channel bandstop filters with ultra-wide stopbands in Fibonacci superconducting photonic crystals
Authors: Xiao Yongjun , Zhao Dong , Liu Fanghua , Ni Hao
Published: November 2023

Multi-channel bandstop filters are theoretically investigated in superconducting photonic crystals. The photonic system is composed of semiconductor and superconductor layers, stacked according to the Fibonacci sequence. As the incident light impinges perpendicularly, several wide transmission bandgaps appear in the frequency range between 0.5 and 7.5 PHz. Each bandgap can be used as a channel of the bandstop filter, exhibiting an ultra-wide stopband of about 0.3–0.6 PHz. The cutoff frequency of the bandstop filter has an obvious red shift by increasing permittivity and thickness of the semiconductor. The stopband width decreases by increasing semiconductor permittivity and superconductor thickness, while it increases by increasing semiconductor thickness. Both the cutoff frequency and stopband width are almost independent of low temperatures. Moreover, increasing incident angles brings about wider stopband width and blue shift of the critical frequency. Our study may be helpful in potential applications of wavelength-division-multiplexed optical communication systems.
Orange surface waveguide laser in Pr:LiYF4 produced by a femtosecond laser writing
Authors: Baillard Amandine , Loiko Pavel , Romero Carolina , Arroyo Víctor , Vázquez de Aldana Javier Rodríguez , Fromager Michaël , Benayad Abdelmjid , Braud Alain , Camy Patrice , Mateos Xavier
Published: November 2023

Depressed-cladding surface channel waveguides were inscribed in a 0.5 at.% Pr:LiYF4 crystal by femtosecond Direct Laser Writing. The waveguides consisted of a half-ring cladding (inner diameter: 17 µm) and side structures (“ears”) improving the mode confinement. The waveguide propagation loss was as low as 0.14 ± 0.05 dB/cm. The orange waveguide laser operating in the fundamental mode delivered 274 mW at 604.3 nm with 28.4% slope efficiency, a laser threshold of only 29 mW and linear polarization (π), representing record-high performance for orange Pr waveguide lasers.
Unsettling NbS: A pathway towards shifting colonial power relations in nature-based solutions research and practice
Authors: Rees Anwen , Doyon Andréanne
Published: November 2023

This article presents a synthesis and analysis drawing from NbS Justice, NBS Indigenous and NbS more-than-human literature, Indigenous governance, Indigenous planning and coexistence planning literature. The aim of this paper is to contribute to understandings of NbS and colonialism through critical reflection, as well as provide tools for action to for researchers and practitioners. In settler-colonial contexts, NbS are colonizing by default. Colonialism operates through producing and growing power asymmetries, which exist in NbS research and practice. These power asymmetries are perpetuated and accelerated by settler NbS practitioners and researchers. However, knowledge co-production that embodies ethical space principles with Indigenous partners in NbS may support power redistribution. To support settler NbS practitioners and researchers, we present a potential process to support mutually beneficial knowledge co-production consisting of three stages; pre-engagement, internal engagement and external/collective engagement.
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV patients in Ghana: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Boadu Isaac , Manu Adom , Aryeetey Richmond Nii Okai , Kesse Kwame Adjei , Abdulai Marijanatu , Acheampong Emmanuel , Akparibo Robert
Published: November 2023

Maintaining a high level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical to limiting rapid viral replication, drug resistance, and viral transmission. However, ART adherence remains a major challenge in HIV/AIDS treatment success. This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to synthesize available evidence on adherence to ART among HIV/AIDS patients in Ghana.This review followed the preferred reporting item for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) criteria. A comprehensive literature search was done using five online databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Africa Index Medicus, and Willey Online Library) from 25th- 30th April 2023 to identify potential studies. In addition, references of related articles were manually searched to further identify relevant studies. Search records were managed in Endnote library where duplicates were removed prior to screening. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were conducted in Ghana, designed as an observational or experimental study, and explicitly measured adherence to ART, either as a primary or secondary outcome. Studies were excluded if the proportion or prevalence of adherence to ART was not reported.A total number of 126 potential studies were identified from the literature search. Of these, 14 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the Meta-analysis. The studies involved a total number of 4,436 participants. The pooled estimate of adherence to ART was 70% (CI: 58–81%). In subgroup analysis, adolescents and young adults had a lower adherence rate (66%, CI: 46–84%) compared with adults (70%; CI: 58–81%). Publication bias was not observed among studies. The pooled estimate of optimal adherence to ART among HIV patients in Ghana was lower than is recommended (≥95%) to achieve viral suppression. Adherence was lower among young persons living with HIV/AIDS. To achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable development goals and the UNAIDS “95-95-95” targets, there is a need to focus on improving adherence interventions among persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially among the younger cohort.
Knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention: Evidence from health and demographic surveillance in Southern Mozambique
Authors: Nhacolo Ariel , Madewell Zachary J. , Muir Jonathan A. , Sacoor Charfudin , Xerinda Elisio , Matsena Teodimiro , Jamisse Edgar , Bassat Quique , Whitney Cynthia G. , Mandomando Inacio , Cunningham Solveig A.
Published: November 2023

Understanding community members’ knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and prevention is essential for directing public health interventions to reduce disease spread and improve vaccination coverage. Here, we describe knowledge of COVID-19 transmission, prevention, and symptoms among community residents in Mozambique. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 33,087 households in a Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Manhiça, Mozambique. Participants were recruited in April 2021 before the Delta variant wave to the peak of Omicron cases in February 2022. Principal components analysis was used to create scores representing knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention. Multiple imputation and quasi-Poisson regression were used to examine associations between demographic characteristics and sources of COVID-19 information, and knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention. We examined whether sources of COVID-19 information mediated the relationship between educational attainment and knowledge of symptoms, transmission, and prevention. Across this rural community, 98.2%, 97.0%, and 85.1% of respondents reported knowing how COVID-19 could be prevented, that SARS-CoV-2 can cause disease, and how SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted, respectively. The most recognized COVID-19 symptoms were cough (51.2%), headaches (44.9%), and fever (44.5%); transmission mechanisms were saliva droplets (50.5%) or aerosol (46.9%) from an infected person; and prevention measures were handwashing (91.9%) and mask-wearing (91.8%). Characteristics associated with greater knowledge of symptoms, transmission, and prevention included having at least primary education, older age, employment, higher wealth, and Christian religion. Respondents who had experienced COVID-19 symptoms were also more likely to possess knowledge of symptoms, transmission, and prevention. Receiving information from television, WhatsApp, radio, and hospital, mediated the relationship between educational attainment and knowledge scores. These findings support the need for outreach and for community-engaged messaging to promote prevention measures, particularly among people with low education.
Bioassays guided isolation of berberine from Berberis lycium and its neuroprotective role in aluminium chloride induced rat model of Alzheimer’s disease combined with insilico molecular docking
Authors: Ismail Hammad , Khalid Dania , Waseem Durdana , Ijaz Muhammad Umar , Dilshad Erum , Haq Ihsan-ul , Bhatti Muhammad Zeeshan , Anwaar Sadaf , Ahmed Madiha , Saleem Samreen
Published: November 2023

Objective

Berberis lycium is an indigenous plant of Pakistan that is known for its medicinal properties. In the current study, we investigated the anti-Alzheimer’s effect of berberine isolated from Berberis lycium.

Methods

Root extract of B. lycium was subjected to acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay and column chromatography for bioassays guided isolation of a compound. The neuroprotective and memory improving effects of isolated compound were evaluated by aluminium chloride induced Alzheimer’s disease rat model, elevated plus maze (EPM) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests., Levels of dopamine and serotonin in rats brains were determined using HPLC. Moreover, western blot and docking were performed to determine interaction between berberine and β-secretase.

Results

During fractionation, ethyl acetate and methanol (3:7) fraction was collected from solvent mixture of ethyl acetate and methanol. This fraction showed the highest anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and was alkaloid positive. The results of TLC and HPLC analysis indicated the presence of the isolated compound as berberine. Additionally, the confirmation of isolated compound as berberine was carried out using FTIR and NMR analysis. In vivo EPM and MWM tests showed improved memory patterns after berberine treatment in Alzheimer’s disease model. The levels of dopamine, serotonin and activity of antioxidant enzymes were significantly (p<0.05) enhanced in brain tissue homogenates of berberine treated group. This was supported by decreased expression of β-secretase in berberine treated rat brain homogenates and good binding affinity of berberine with β-secretase in docking studies. Binding energies for interaction of β-secretase with berberine and drug Rivastigmine is -7.0 kcal/mol and -5.8 kcal/mol respectively representing the strong interactions. The results of docked complex of secretase with berberine and Rivastigmine was carried out using Gromacs which showed significant stability of complex in terms of RMSD and radius of gyration. Overall, the study presents berberine as a potential drug against Alzheimer’s disease by providing evidence of its effects in improving memory, neurotransmitter levels and reducing β-secretase expression in the Alzheimer’s disease model.
Bioenergetic function is decreased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of veterans with Gulf War Illness
Authors: Meyer Joel N. , Pan William K. , Ryde Ian T. , Alexander Thomas , Klein-Adams Jacquelyn C. , Ndirangu Duncan S. , Falvo Michael J.
Published: November 2023

Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a major health problem for approximately 250,000 Gulf War (GW) veterans, but the etiology of GWI is unclear. We hypothesized that mitochondrial dysfunction is an important contributor to GWI, based on the similarity of some GWI symptoms to those occurring in some mitochondrial diseases; the plausibility that certain pollutants to which GW veterans were exposed affect mitochondria; mitochondrial effects observed in studies in laboratory models of GWI; and previous evidence of mitochondrial outcomes in studies in GW veterans. A primary role of mitochondria is generation of energy via oxidative phosphorylation. However, direct assessment of mitochondrial respiration, reflecting oxidative phosphorylation, has not been carried out in veterans with GWI. In this case-control observational study, we tested multiple measures of mitochondrial function and integrity in a cohort of 114 GW veterans, 80 with and 34 without GWI as assessed by the Kansas definition. In circulating white blood cells, we analyzed multiple measures of mitochondrial respiration and extracellular acidification, a proxy for non-aerobic energy generation; mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number; mtDNA damage; and nuclear DNA damage. We also collected detailed survey data on demographics; deployment; self-reported exposure to pesticides, pyridostigmine bromide, and chemical and biological warfare agents; and current biometrics, health and activity levels. We observed a 9% increase in mtDNA content in blood in veterans with GWI, but did not detect differences in DNA damage. Basal and ATP-linked oxygen consumption were respectively 42% and 47% higher in veterans without GWI, after adjustment for mtDNA amount. We did not find evidence for a compensatory increase in anaerobic energy generation: extracellular acidification was also lower in GWI (12% lower at baseline). A subset of 27 and 26 veterans returned for second and third visits, allowing us to measure stability of mitochondrial parameters over time. mtDNA CN, mtDNA damage, ATP-linked OCR, and spare respiratory capacity were moderately replicable over time, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.43, 0.44, 0.50, and 0.57, respectively. Other measures showed higher visit-to-visit variability. Many measurements showed lower replicability over time among veterans with GWI compared to veterans without GWI. Finally, we found a strong association between recalled exposure to pesticides, pyridostigmine bromide, and chemical and biological warfare agents and GWI (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Our results demonstrate decreased mitochondrial respiratory function as well as decreased glycolytic activity, both of which are consistent with decreased energy availability, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in veterans with GWI.
Investigating identification disparities in forensic anthropology casework
Authors: Hughes Cris , Yim An-Di , Juarez Chelsey , Servello John , Thomas Richard , Passalacqua Nicholas , Soler Angela
Published: November 2023

Forensic anthropology is shifting to reflect on the impact of its practices within the criminal justice context in important ways. Here, we contribute to this essential work by examining how decedent demographics as well as estimations of biological profile components are related to identification trends in forensic anthropology cases. The study uses data from more than 1,200 identified and unidentified forensic anthropology cases from three agencies (together representing a nation-wide sample). We found the following: i) multivariate analyses indicated that decedent sex, age, and race and/or ethnicity are not related to case identification rates in the pooled United States sample, ii) when identification rate differences do occur, they appear to be smaller effects, more agency-specific, and/or related to the context of a particular agency, iii) for the agency-specific sample with available data, there was no consistent evidence for a discrepancy in the duration of an identification investigation based on a decedent’s sex, age, or race and/or ethnicity, iv) forensic anthropological estimations of sex, age, and ancestry can improve the odds of identification for decedents, although these are small effects, and v) reporting an ancestry estimation does not appear to impact decedent race representation among resolved unidentified person cases. Although previous studies have identified demographic discrepancies in other areas of the criminal justice system, the results presented here suggest that decedent demographic estimation practices by forensic anthropologists in general do not appear to be related to discrepancies in identification trends, but more research is needed to examine whether these findings hold. Contextual factors and practices specific to each investigative agency likely contribute to identification trends.
Gender policy and intimate partner violence in Colombia
Authors: Durevall Dick
Published: November 2023

In 1995, Colombia signed the first legally binding international treaty that criminalizes all forms of violence against women. Subsequently, the government took several steps to improve laws and policies, but the progress was slow. This study uses a differences-in-differences approach and Demographic and Health Survey data to estimate the impact of a renewed effort to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV), based on recommendations by the UN. To identify the effect of the national policies, it uses the fact that while the central government passes laws and formulates policies, it partly relies on departments (provinces) to implement them. Of Colombia’s 32 departments and Bogota D.C., approximately a quarter had some type of gender policy in place by 2011. The main finding is that self-reported intimate partner violence decreased from 20% to 16% between 2010 and 2015 in departments that had implemented IPV policies, while it remained at 19% in the others.
PTGR1 is involved in cell proliferation in thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum
Authors: Liu Kuankuan , Shu Li , Huang Ann Yehong , Chang Yanan , Chen Zhongqiang , Zhang Chi
Published: November 2023

Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) is a heterotopic ossification of spinal ligaments, leading to serious myelopathy. TOLF underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Our iTRAQ analysis have identified ten inflammatory factors related to TOLF, including l. We found that PTGR1 expressions increased in TOLF by RT-PCR and western blot in this study. Both cell proliferation and differentiation are important for the process of bone formation. In our previous study, we demonstrated that TOLF primary cells grew faster than control cells. It was reported that knockdown of PTGR1 inhibited cell proliferation. We hypothesize that PTGR1 may participate in cell proliferation in TOLF. To test this hypothesis, TOLF primary cells were treated for 24h with PTGR1. We observed that PTGR1 increased cell proliferation. The effect of PTGR1 on cell proliferation related genes was examined in TOLF primary cells. Our results showed that PTGR1 was able to activate expressions of c-Myc and CyclinD1. Moreover, blocking JNK pathway by selective JNK inhibitor SP600125 eliminated the positive effect of PTGR1 on c-Myc expression, indicating that PTGR1 activated the expression of c-Myc via JNK pathway. Our new findings suggest that PTGR1 is involved in cell proliferation of TOLF.
Implementation and effectiveness of a physician-focused peer support program
Authors: Tolins Molly L. , Rana Jamal S. , Lippert Suzanne , LeMaster Christopher , Kimura Yusuke F. , Sax Dana R.
Published: November 2023

Background

The practice of medicine faces a mounting burnout crisis. Physician burnout leads to worse mental health outcomes, provider turnover, and decreased quality of care. Peer support, a viable strategy to combat burnout, has been shown to be well received by physicians.

Methods

This study evaluates the Peer Outreach Support Team (POST) program, a physician-focused peer support initiative established in a 2-hospital system, using descriptive statistical methodologies. We evaluate the POST program using the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) framework to describe important contextual factors including characteristics of the intervention, recipients, implementation and sustainability infrastructure, and external environment, and to assess RE-AIM outcomes including reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.

Results

This program successfully trained 59 peer supporters across 11 departments in a 2-hospital system over a 3-year period. Trained supporters unanimously felt the training was useful and aided in general departmental culture shift (100% of respondents). After 3 years, 48.5% of physician survey respondents across 5 active departments had had a peer support interaction, with 306 successful interactions recorded. The rate of interactions increased over the 3-year study period, and the program was adopted by 11 departments, representing approximately 60% of all physicians in the 2-hospital system. Important implementation barriers and facilitators were identified. Physician recipients of peer support reported improved well-being, decreased negative emotions and stigma, and perceived positive cultural changes within their departments.

Conclusions

We found that POST, a physician-focused peer support program, had widespread reach and a positive effect on perceived physician well-being and departmental culture. This analysis outlines a viable approach to support physicians and suggests future studies considering direct effectiveness measures and programmatic adaptations. Our findings can inform and guide other healthcare systems striving to establish peer support initiatives to improve physician well-being.
Biosimilar versus branded enoxaparin to prevent postoperative venous thromboembolism after surgery for digestive tract cancer: Randomized trial
Authors: Dziri Chadli , Ben Hmida Wafa , Dougaz Wejih , Khalfallah Mehdi , Samaali Imen , Jerraya Hichem , Bouasker Ibtissem , Nouira Ramzi
Published: November 2023

Cancer and/or major surgery are two factors that predispose to post-operative thrombosis. The annual incidence of venous thromboembolic disease (VTED) in cancer patients was estimated at 0.5%-20%. Surgery increases the risk of VTED by 29% in the absence of thromboprophylaxis. Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin that is safe and effective. Branded Enoxaparin and biosimilar Enoxaparin are two enoxaparin treatments. This study aimed to compare Branded Enoxaparin with biosimilar Enoxaparin in patients operated on for digestive cancer regarding the prevention of postoperative thrombosis event, to compare the tolerance of the two treatments and to identify independent predictive factors of thromboembolic incident. A randomized controlled trial conducted in a single-centre, surgical department B of Charles Nicolle Hospital, over a 5-year period from October 12th, 2015, to July 08th, 2020. We included all patients over 18 who had cancer of the digestive tract newly diagnosed, operable and whatever its nature, site, or stage, operated on in emergency or elective surgery. The primary endpoint was any asymptomatic thromboembolic event, demonstrated by systematic US Doppler of the lower limbs on postoperative day 7 to day 10. The sonographer was unaware of the prescribed treatment (Branded Enoxaparin [BE] or biosimilar Enoxaparin [BSE]). Of one hundred sixty-eight enrolled patients, six patients (4.1%) had subclinical venous thrombosis. Among those who had subclinical thrombosis, four patients (5.6%) were in the Branded Enoxaparin group and two patients (2.7%) in the Biosimilar Enoxaparin group without statistically significant difference (p = 0.435). Analysis of the difference in means using Student’s t test demonstrated the equivalence of the two treatments. Our study allowed us to conclude that there was no statistically significant difference between Branded Enoxaparin and Biosimilar Enoxaparin regarding the occurrence of thromboembolic accidents postoperatively. BE and BSE are equivalent.

Trial registration. Trial registration: The trial was registered on CLINICALTRIALS.GOV under the number NCT02444572.
Snake optimizer LSTM-based UWB positioning method for unmanned crane
Authors: Wang Li , Fan Guangxiao , Wang Qiao , Li Hui , Huo Junhai , Wei Shibo , Niu Qunfeng
Published: November 2023

Position determination is a critical technical challenge to be addressed in the unmanned and intelligent advancement of crane systems. Traditional positioning techniques, such as those based on magnetic grating or encoders, are limited to measuring the positions of the main carriage and trolley. However, during crane operations, accurately determining the position of the load becomes problematic when it undergoes swinging motions. To overcome this limitation, this paper proposes a novel Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) positioning method for unmanned crane systems, leveraging the Snake Optimizer Long Short-Term Memory (SO-LSTM) framework. The objective is to achieve real-time and precise localization of the crane hook. The proposed method establishes a multi-base station and multi-tag UWB positioning system using a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) combined with Two-Way Ranging (TWR) scheme. This system enables the acquisition of distance measurements between the mobile tag and UWB base stations. Furthermore, the hyperparameters of the LSTM network are optimized using the Snake Optimizer algorithm to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of UWB positioning estimation. Experimental results demonstrate that the SO-LSTM-based positioning method yields a maximum positioning error of 0.1125 meters and a root mean square error of 0.0589 meters. In comparison to conventional approaches such as the least squares method (LS) and the Kalman filter method (KF), the proposed SO-LSTM-based positioning method significantly reduces the root mean square error (RMSE) by 63.39% and 58.01%, respectively, while also decreasing the maximum positioning error (MPE) by 60.77% and 52.65%.
Inflammasome-triggered IL-18 controls skin inflammation in the progression of Buruli ulcer
Authors: Suzuki Toshihiko , Boonyaleka Kotchakorn , Okano Tokuju , Iida Tamako , Yoshida Mitsunori , Fukano Hanako , Hoshino Yoshihiko , Iwakura Yoichiro , Ablordey Anthony S. , Ashida Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

Buruli ulcer is an emerging chronic infectious skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Mycolactone, an exotoxin produced by the bacterium, is the only identified virulence factor so far, but the functions of this toxin and the mechanisms of disease progression remain unclear. By interfering Sec61 translocon, mycolactone inhibits the Sec61-dependent co-translational translocation of newly synthesized proteins, such as induced cytokines and immune cell receptors, into the endoplasmic reticulum. However, in regard to IL-1β, which is secreted by a Sec61-independent mechanism, mycolactone has been shown to induce IL-1β secretion via activation of inflammasomes. In this study, we clarified that cytokine induction, including that of IL-1β, in infected macrophages was suppressed by mycolactone produced by M. ulcerans subsp. shinshuense, despite the activation of caspase-1 through the inflammasome activation triggered in a manner independent of mycolactone. Intriguingly, mycolactone suppressed the expression of proIL-1β as well as TNF-α at the transcriptional level, suggesting that mycolactone of M. ulcerans subsp. shinshuense may exert additional inhibitory effect on proIL-1β expression. Remarkably, constitutively produced IL-18 was cleaved and mature IL-18 was actually released from macrophages infected with the causative mycobacterium. IL-18-deficient mice infected subcutaneously with M. ulcerans exhibited exacerbated skin inflammation during the course of disease progression. On the other hand, IL-1β controls bacterial multiplication in skin tissues. These results provide information regarding the mechanisms and functions of the induced cytokines in the pathology of Buruli ulcer.
Axó of the spider woman: Black activism in Goya Lopes’s patterned fabrics
Authors: Conduru Roberto
Published: November 2023

This article delves into the remarkable work and journey of Goya Lopes, an Afro-Brazilian designer, entrepreneur and activist. It explores the intersection of fashion and art within her designs of patterned fabrics, which encompass a wide range of everyday and unique garments, household items and more. The discussion highlights pivotal moments in Lopes’s career, including her 2008 solo exhibition The African Diaspora in Brazil, her collaborative book Imagens da Diáspora (‘Images of the diaspora’) with Brazilian historian Gustavo Falcón in 2010 and her 2017 installation Sentidos Afro-Baianos (‘Afro-Bahian senses’). Through examining select fabric patterns, the article unveils their significance as integral components of Lopes’s ongoing anti-racist activism, which has spanned over five decades from the region of Bahia in northeastern Brazil. Lastly, it delves into Lopes’s unique conceptualization of her fabrics as axós, drawing on the Yoruba term for aso (‘cloth’), and highlights their role as empowering, protective and militant Afro-diasporic mantles. The article underscores how Lopes employs fashion design as a form of activism and a subtle yet potent means to propagate political ideas.
Unveiling narratives through paint, dress and embroidery: Exploring representations of Black people in the art of Maria Auxiliadora da Silva
Authors: Negreiros Hanayrá
Published: November 2023

Maria Auxiliadora da Silva, an Afro-Brazilian painter in the early twentieth century, was born into an artistic family. Her artwork, which reflects everyday life and Afro-Brazilian culture, includes personal memories and experiences. This article focuses on how Silva portrayed clothing and textiles in her paintings, particularly in terms of female representations and Black religiosity. Three of her works in the collection of the Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (MASP) will serve as starting points for discussing the intersection of fashion studies, art history and decolonial interpretations.
Sreenath Nair with Neena Prasad
Authors: Nair Sreenath
Published: November 2023

Dr Neena Prasad is a leading dancer and scholar of Mohiniyattam. Proficient in Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Kathakali, she is a leading disciple of Kalamandalam Sugandhi and Padamsri Kalamandalam Kshemavathy. She has recently received the presidential award for overall contribution to Indian classical dance. In this conversation she speaks about the philosophy and techniques of her art, the ways in which it carved out the niche for herself as one of the most talented and reliable dancers in India. For Prasad, dance is the only truth and the essence that makes her existence as an artist. This conversation is an archive, the archive that shows the journey of a dancer from her formative period to the level of mastery of the art through continuous research and practice.
Restricción de crecimiento postnatal y asociación con lactancia materna exclusiva en menores de 1500 gramos
Authors: Bolea Muguruza Gabriela , De Frutos Martínez Cristina , García Miralles Laura Carlota , Tamayo Martínez Mª Teresa , Martín Corral Judith
Published: November 2023

Objetivo: Conocer la incidencia de restricción postnatal de crecimiento (RPC) en recién nacidos (RN) de muy bajo peso (peso al nacer <1500 g; RNMBP) de nuestra unidad, analizando el impacto del incremento de lactancia materna exclusiva (LME) y la introducción de leche donada (LD).
Material y métodos: Estudio cuasi-experimental en RNMBP divididos en dos grupos respecto a una intervención para optimizar las prácticas de lactancia, incluyendo la disponibilidad de LD: grupo 1 (PRE-intervención; enero 2016-mayo 2018) y grupo 2 (POST-intervención; junio 2018-diciembre 2020). Se registran variables de somatometría al nacer, 28 días, 36 semana postmenstrual (sEPM) y alta, convirtiéndolas en z-score y percentil según estándares Intergrowth-21st. Se analiza la evolución de dichas variables y las posibles diferencias entre grupos.
Resultados: Se incluyen 115 RNMBP con una mediana de edad gestacional de 29 semanas y peso 1235 g, 58 en grupo 1 y 57 en grupo 2. Encontramos diferencias significativas en las tasas de LME durante el ingreso entre ambos grupos (22.4 % vs. 61.4 %; p < 0.001) y al alta (39.7 % vs. 66.7 %; p = 0.004). Respecto a la RPC al alta, de forma global, un 31 % presentaba peso < p10 y 19 % perímetro cefálico < p10. Comparando ambos grupos, no hubo diferencias significativas en la RPC ni a las 36 sEPM (38.6 % vs. 33.9 %; p = 0.35) ni al alta (34.5 % vs. 28.1 %; p = 0.46).
Why do spacecraft always experience a

black-out area

that disrupts communications when they return to Earth?
Authors: Wang Jianan
Published: November 2023

In this paper, Lorentz factor and Lorentz transformations are modified based on the new ether theory, and the
blackout which leads to communication interruption of high-speed moving objects is analyzed by using the modified Lorentz electromagnetic field transformation formula. It is concluded that blackout is caused by the change of wave form of electromagnetic wave from stationary energy space (etheric reference frame) to moving medium (etheric reference frame) or from moving medium to stationary energy space.
Potential PDE4B inhibitors as promising candidates against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Giuzio Federica , Bonomo Maria Grazia , Catalano Alessia , Infantino Vittoria , Salzano Giovanni , Monné Magnus , Geronikaki Athina , Petrou Anthi , Aquaro Stefano , Sinicropi Maria Stefania , Saturnino Carmela
Published: November 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an RNA virus belonging to the coronavirus family responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It primarily affects the pulmonary system, which is the target of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), for which many new compounds have been developed. In this study, phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors are being investigated. The inhibition of PDE4 enzyme produces anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects in the lung by inducing an increase in cAMP concentrations. Piclamilast and rolipram are known selective inhibitors of PDE4, which are unfortunately endowed with common side effects, such as nausea and emesis. The selective inhibition of the phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) subtype may represent an intriguing technique for combating this highly contagious disease with fewer side effects. In this article, molecular docking studies for the selective inhibition of the PDE4B enzyme have been carried out on 21 in-house compounds. The compounds were docked into the pocket of the PDE4B catalytic site, and in most cases, they were almost completely superimposed onto piclamilast. Then, in order to enlarge our study, drug-likeness prediction studies were performed on the compounds under study.
Green fabrication of chitosan from marine crustaceans and mushroom waste: Toward sustainable resource utilization
Authors: Periyannan Kiruthiga , Selvaraj Hemamala , Subbu Balachandar , Pallikondaperumal Muthukrishnan , Karuppiah Ponmurugan , Rajabathar Jothi Ramalingam , Al-Lohedan Hamad , Thangarasu Sadhasivam
Published: November 2023

The exoskeletons of crabs, shrimp, and fish are major waste. These wastes contain chitin, an abundant natural polymer found next to cellulose. Thus, disposal of this waste becomes a huge problem for the environment; besides this, reutilization boosts the circular economy. Chitin is partially deacetylated to yield the economically useful product of chitosan and is a heteropolymer. The current study isolated chitosan from mushrooms and various marine crustaceans, i.e., crabs, shrimp, and fish. Chitosan was extracted from marine crustaceans by demineralization, deproteination, and deacetylation. Later, extracted chitosan was characterized by physicochemical characteristics like deacetylation degree, ash content, protein, color, fat-binding capacity (FBC), water-binding capacity (WBC), pH, and moisture content. The result showed that chitosan yield ranges from 13.0% to 17.0%, the degree of deacetylation range from 82.0% to 85.0%, ash content range from 0.8% to 3.0%, and protein content is below 1.0%. The FBC and WBC range between 320% and 444% and 535% and 602%, respectively. The pH and moisture content range from 7.4 to 8.0 and from 2.0% to 4.0%, respectively. Overall, results specified that crustacean waste was an exceptional chitosan source with availability and production consistency.
Top Tips for Marketing Specialty Contact Lenses
Authors: Lahey Rhona
Published: November 2023

How to market specialty contact lenses
L’inévitable défi des dilemmes éthiques en optométrie, partie 3
Authors: Faucher Caroline , Rezk Marina , Verni Ariana
Published: November 2023

Certaines situations placent les professionnels de la santé face à un dilemme : deux principes éthiques entrent en conflit et aucune des décisions possibles n’est optimale. Malgré les conséquences pouvant en résulter, aucune étude ne s’était encore penchée sur les dilemmes éthiques en optométrie. Objectif. Cet article conclut une série de trois articles rapportant les résultats d’une étude dont les buts étaient d’identifier les dilemmes éthiques vécus par les optométristes et d’en décrire des scénarios typiques. Méthode. Deux cent quarante optométristes ont répondu à un questionnaire en ligne. Résultats. Un bris de confiance peut placer l’optométriste face à un dilemme quant à au maintien ou non de sa relation avec le patient. Le dilemme le plus fréquent concerne la facturation d’honoraires professionnels en surplus de ceux de l’examen de base. Plusieurs autres dilemmes éthiques sont préoccupants, dont ceux touchant les avances ou séductrices ou sexuelles de la part de la clientèle. Conclusion. De nombreux enjeux éthiques ont été identifiés et décrits. Ces résultats seront utiles aux instances académiques et professionnelles pour leur permettre de préparer les optométristes à prendre des décisions éthiques parfois difficiles.
Conversion of xylose into D-xylitol using catalytic transfer hydrogenation with formic acid as H-donor
Authors: Aigner Danuta Joanna , Hinterholzer Lena , Almhofer Lukas , Bischof Robert H. , Wrodnigg Tanja
Published: November 2023

d-Xylitol, a biomass-derived sweetener, is increasingly used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. The raw material for d-xylitol production, d-xylose, is easily accessible from dissolving pulp production. d-xylitol production involves the heterogeneously catalyzed hydrogenation of d-xylose; this process is energy intensive, as the use of H2 requires high pressure and temperature. This work examined catalytic transfer hydrogenation for xylose conversion into xylitol. Formic acid (FA) was used to replace H2 as the H-donor, as it is easily available, inexpensive, may be obtained from renewable sources, and it avoids the risks associated with the use of high-pressure inflammable gas. A variety of commercially available catalysts were screened to reveal the one enabling the highest yield. The experiments were performed at 40, 80, and 140 °C, with pure xylose as a model compound. Triethylamine (Et3N) was added to ensure sufficient conversion rates. Based on the preliminary studies an experimental design was created (Design Expert®), including the two best performing catalysts Ru/Al2O3 and Ru/C, to investigate the influence of temperature and H-donor and base concentration on xylitol yield. Ru/C resulted in maximum d-xylitol yield of 73.2 % at 100 °C, FA to d-xylose ratio 5:1 and Et3N to FA ratio 0.4.
Changes in self-motivation of Ukrainian kickboxers aged 13-15 in the context of the coronavirus pandemic and martial law
Authors:   German Sport University Cologne, Korobeynikov G. , Volskyi D. ,   National Universitiy of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport, Kostuchenko V. ,   National  Universitiy of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport, Xu Xiang-Qian ,   Shandong Sport University
Published: November 2023

Purpose: to assess the level of self-motivation of Ukrainian kickboxers aged 13-15 in the context of the coronavirus pandemic and martial law. Material and methods. Theoretical analysis of scientific and methodological literature, questionnaires, pedagogical research, methods of mathematical statistics. The theoretical analysis of scientific and methodological literature was carried out throughout the study. The next stage is the beginning of the pedagogical research, within which the control and experimental groups were selected. The selection of groups was realized on the basis of the results of an online survey conducted in May-June 2022 and covered 42 respondents (kickboxers aged 13-15 years old, qualified as 1st category and candidates for master of sports, representatives of the martial arts club «Athlete» (Kyiv), training program, age, qualifications of which correspond to the curriculum of sports schools in kickboxing). The survey was conducted online using a Google form according to the methodology of identifying the level of self-motivation of athletes to achieve high sports results. The questionnaire contained 14 statements. The reliability of the results and the determination of the homogeneity of the groups were carried out according to the Mann-Whitney criterion. Results: a thorough analysis of the scientific and methodological literature allowed us to state that the conditions in which sports in Ukraine found itself after the introduction of martial law prompted the search for new ways to overcome the motivational crisis among athletes in unfavorable social and social circumstances. The study showed that the level of self-motivation of skilled kickboxers was recorded mainly within the low and medium range. The results of the survey indicate that only 9,5 % of the surveyed kickboxers were able to maintain a high level of self-motivation in competitive activities. Despite the crisis conditions they are currently facing. Instead, 23,8 % of respondents are at a low level of self-motivation in competitive activity, which encourages an active search for ways to solve these problems. Conclusions. The analysis of special scientific and methodical literature revealed insufficient data and methodological developments aimed at increasing the level of self-motivation of kickboxers in preparation for competitions. Thus, the introduction of new scientific approaches to the formation of motivation and self-motivation for competitive activity in the training of kickboxers living under martial law is currently a very relevant area of research.
Psychological and pedagogical problems of student ' mental health support
Authors:   Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, Ivashchenko Sergii
Published: November 2023

The paper presents the results of a scientific study conducted to determine the importance of monitoring the psychological state of students of higher education institutions during the educational process. The research used methods of analysis and synthesis of scientific information, research of the psychological state of the respondents according to the methods of SAN, questionnaires, interviews, pedagogical experiment and statistical processing of the obtained data. Based on the analysis of the results of the study, it was confirmed that the use of a system of monitoring the psychological state of students during the educational process is an important component of maintaining their mental health and helps to improve their learning. This effect is explained by the fact that the use of such a system provides the ability to correct the level of intensity of educational loads, which helps to improve the adaptation of students to the conditions of the educational process.
The using of sling exercises therapy in the process of physical therapy of women with multiple sclerosis
Authors:   Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University named after Mykhailo Kotsyubynsky, Sulyma Alla , Gushevata Julia ,   Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University named after Mykhailo Kotsyubynsky, Sulyma Olga ,   Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University named after Mykhailo Kotsyubynsky
Published: November 2023

According to statistics, there are about 21,000 patients with multiple sclerosis in our country. Multiple sclerosis has a negative impact not only on the patient, but also on his family members, which is associated with loss of self-care skills and disability. Therefore, there is a need to find new means of physical therapy for people with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to study the impact of Sling Exercises Therapy classes on the condition of women with multiple sclerosis. Material and methods: In writing the work we use the analysis of available scientific sources on the research issue; pedagogical observation; pedagogical experiment; pedagogical testing; methods of mathematical statistics. 13 women with multiple sclerosis were investigated. Results: We found that 8 weeks of Sling Exercises Therapy had a positive effect on the motor function of the arms and legs. Thus, the motor function of the left hand improved by 4.5 points, the right hand - by 5.0 points, and the motor function of the left leg increased by 6.7 points and the right - by 8.2 points. The assessment of elementary motor functions and impaired vital functions allowed to establish a probable improvement of the average group values of indicators in the sections «general functions» and «hand». Conclusions: Thus, the results of the research indicate a positive effect of classes on the method of Sling Exercises Therapy on the condition of women with multiple sclerosis. Thus, these exercises helped to increase the strength of the extensor and flexor muscles of the lower leg, the flexor muscles of the thighs, improve fine motor skills of the hands, as well as increase the active range of motion in the joints.
Occupational therapy after acute cerebral circulatory disorders
Authors:   Kharkiv .State Academy of Physical Culture, Parfanyuk Tatiana , Beziazychna Olha ,   Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture
Published: November 2023

Occupational therapeutic intervention in patients after stroke is considered. The main problems of this contingent of persons in need of occupational therapy intervention are given.