bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients' perspectives on buprenorphine subcutaneous implant: a case series
Authors: Pierlorenzi Claudio , Nunzi Marco , Cirulli Sabino , Direnzo Giovanni Francesco Maria , Curatella Lucia , Liberatori Sandra , Pascucci Annalisa , Petrone Edoardo , Ventre Generoso , Varango Concettina , Pulito Maria Luisa , Varango Antonella , Dandolo Cosimo , Occupati Brunella , Marenzi Roberta , Leonardi Claudio
Published: April 2024

Background

Considering the enormous burden represented by the opioid use disorder (OUD), it is important to always consider, when implementing opioid agonist therapy (OAT), the potential impact on patient’s adherence, quality of life, and detoxification. Thus, the purpose of the study is to evaluate how the introduction of a novel OAT approach influences these key factors in the management of OUD.

Case presentation

This article marks the pioneering use of OAT through buprenorphine implant in Europe and delves into the experience of six patients diagnosed with OUD at a relatively young age. The patients, comprising both males and a female, are of Caucasian Italian and African Italian ancestry (case 4) and exhibit an age range from 23 to 63, with an average drug abuse history of 19 ± 12 years. All patients were on stable traditional OAT before transitioning to buprenorphine implants. Despite the heterogeneity in social and educational backgrounds, health status, and drug abuse initiation histories, the case series reveals consistent positive treatment outcomes such as detoxification, absence of withdrawal symptoms and of side effects. Notably, all patients reported experiencing a newfound sense of freedom and improved quality of life.

Conclusions

These results emphasise the promising impact of OAT via buprenorphine implants in enhancing the well-being and quality of life in the context of OUD.
Lung ultrasound and procalcitonin, improving antibiotic management and avoiding radiation exposure in pediatric critical patients with bacterial pneumonia: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Guitart Carmina , Bobillo-Perez Sara , Rodríguez-Fanjul Javier , Carrasco José Luis , Brotons Pedro , López-Ramos Maria Goretti , Cambra Francisco José , Balaguer Mònica , Jordan Iolanda
Published: April 2024

Background

Pneumonia is a major public health problem with an impact on morbidity and mortality. Its management still represents a challenge. The aim was to determine whether a new diagnostic algorithm combining lung ultrasound (LUS) and procalcitonin (PCT) improved pneumonia management regarding antibiotic use, radiation exposure, and associated costs, in critically ill pediatric patients with suspected bacterial pneumonia (BP).

Methods

Randomized, blinded, comparative effectiveness clinical trial. Children < 18y with suspected BP admitted to the PICU from September 2017 to December 2019, were included. PCT was determined at admission. Patients were randomized into the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) if LUS or chest X-ray (CXR) were done as the first image test, respectively. Patients were classified: 1.LUS/CXR not suggestive of BP and PCT < 1 ng/mL, no antibiotics were recommended; 2.LUS/CXR suggestive of BP, regardless of the PCT value, antibiotics were recommended; 3.LUS/CXR not suggestive of BP and PCT > 1 ng/mL, antibiotics were recommended.

Results

194 children were enrolled, 113 (58.2%) females, median age of 134 (IQR 39–554) days. 96 randomized into EG and 98 into CG. 1. In 75/194 patients the image test was not suggestive of BP with PCT < 1 ng/ml; 29/52 in the EG and 11/23 in the CG did not receive antibiotics. 2. In 101 patients, the image was suggestive of BP; 34/34 in the EG and 57/67 in the CG received antibiotics. Statistically significant differences between groups were observed when PCT resulted < 1 ng/ml (p = 0.01). 3. In 18 patients the image test was not suggestive of BP but PCT resulted > 1 ng/ml, all of them received antibiotics. A total of 0.035 mSv radiation/patient was eluded. A reduction of 77% CXR/patient was observed. LUS did not significantly increase costs.

Conclusions

Combination of LUS and PCT showed no risk of mistreating BP, avoided radiation and did not increase costs. The algorithm could be a reliable tool for improving pneumonia management.

Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04217980.
A low-energy particle experiment for both ion and electron measurements using a single microchannel plate-based detector
Authors: Yokota Shoichiro , Saito Yoshifumi , Asamura Kazushi
Published: April 2024

We have developed a low-energy particle experiment that alternately measures ions and electrons in space. The ability to switch between ion and electron measurements is achieved by simply adding ultra-thin carbon foils and positive and negative outputs to a conventional top-hat electrostatic analyzer and a high-voltage power supply, respectively. The advantage of this experiment is that it can perform both ion and electron measurements using only one MCP-based detector for electrons, since it detects secondary electrons emitted from the carbon foils. For the SS520-3 sounding rocket program, we prepared two identical energy analyzers, one for ions and the other for electrons to demonstrate this technique. Laboratory tests confirmed that the performance of the two analyzers was comparable to that of conventional analyzers for ion and electrons. The SS520-3 rocket experiment in the high latitude auroral region yielded observations that captured typical features of ions and electrons, which were similar to previous observations.

Graphical Abstract
Gamma mark: an ingenuity to ease the aiming of melt inclusions in phenocrysts with NanoSIMS
Authors: Miyagi Isoji
Published: April 2024

This short report introduces one of the ways to quickly and accurately aim melt inclusions in phenocryst using NanoSIMS.

Graphical Abstract
Responding to unauthorized residence: on a dilemma between ‘firewalls’ and ‘regularizations’
Authors: Schmid Lukas
Published: April 2024

Residence of unauthorized immigrants is a stable feature of the Global North’s liberal democracies. This article asks how liberal-democratic policymakers should respond to this phenomenon, assuming both that states have incontrovertible rights and interests to assert control over immigration and that unauthorized residence is nevertheless an entrenched fact. It argues that a set of liberal-democratic commitments gives policymakers strong reason to implement both so-called ‘firewall’ and ‘regularization’ policies, thereby protecting unauthorized immigrants’ basic needs and interests and officially incorporating many of them in society. It then explains that the background imperative of immigration control creates a dilemmatic tension between these policies, as regularization is envisaged alongside the removal of the ineligible, which is in turn hindered by the implementation of firewalls. This creates a dilemma between the pursuit of two policy goals that are both underwritten by the same value commitments. Though it cannot be entirely dissolved, I argue that the best way to mitigate this dilemma is to design regularization policy in a way that leaves only a small number of unauthorized immigrants subject to removal.
Cannabis use associated with lower mortality among hospitalized Covid-19 patients using the national inpatient sample: an epidemiological study
Authors: Igwe Joseph-Kevin , Alaribe Ugo
Published: April 2024

Background

Prior reports indicate that modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may have a protective benefit for Covid-19 patients. However, associations between cannabis use (CU) or CU not in remission (active cannabis use (ACU)), and Covid-19-related outcomes among hospitalized patients is unknown.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective observational cohort analysis of adults (≥ 18 years-old) identified from 2020 National Inpatient Sample database, we utilize multivariable regression analyses and propensity score matching analysis (PSM) to analyze trends and outcomes among Covid-19-related hospitalizations with CU and without CU (N-CU) for primary outcome of interest: Covid-19-related mortality; and secondary outcomes: Covid-19-related hospitalization, mechanical ventilation (MV), and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) compared to all-cause admissions; for CU vs N-CU; and for ACU vs N-ACU.

Results

There were 1,698,560 Covid-19-related hospitalizations which were associated with higher mortality (13.44% vs 2.53%, p ≤ 0.001) and worse secondary outcomes generally. Among all-cause hospitalizations, 1.56% of CU and 6.29% of N-CU were hospitalized with Covid-19 (p ≤ 0.001). ACU was associated with lower odds of MV, PE, and death among the Covid-19 population. On PSM, ACU(N(unweighted) = 2,382) was associated with 83.97% lower odds of death compared to others(N(unweighted) = 282,085) (2.77% vs 3.95%, respectively; aOR:0.16, [0.10–0.25], p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the ECS may represent a viable target for modulation of Covid-19. Additional studies are needed to further explore these findings.
Performance evaluation of the Bilate and Furfuro irrigation schemes in Silti Zone, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Abo Mulugeta Abebo , Assefa Shemelies , W/Michael Abraham
Published: April 2024

Many irrigation schemes are performing poorly for a number of reasons, and this should be improved to increase the efficiency and productivity of the schemes. This study attempted to determine the performance of the Bilate and Furfuro irrigation schemes in Silti Zone, southern Ethiopia. For field data measurements, three farmers’ fields were selected at the head, middle, and tail end of each scheme. Average conveyance efficiencies were 53% and 56.1%, average field application efficiencies were 55.9% and 58.0%, average water storage efficiencies were 53% and 46.5%, irrigation uniformity was 91.03% and 92.9%, and overall irrigation efficiency was 28% and 32% for Bilate and Furfuro schemes respectively. This implied that the two schemes were performing inefficiently and inadequately, but water was distributed uniformly. The reason might be most canal sections had unreasonable losses of water in two schemes. Additionally, relative water supply was 0.68 and 0.79, relative irrigation supply was 0.61 and 0.77, output per unit irrigated area was 4140.4 and 1781.5 ($/ha), output per unit command area was 4510.3 and 1968.5 ($/ha), output per unit irrigation supply was 0.94 and 0.28 ($/m3), output per unit water consumed was 0.99 and 0.39 ($/m3), sustainability of irrigation area was 1.05 and 1.02, and irritation ratio was 1.11 and 1.09 for Bilate and Furfuro schemes respectively. This revealed that the applied water was not satisfied the crop water demand, but their irrigated lands were expanded for two irrigation schemes. Furfuro scheme was better than Bilate in terms of relative water supply and relative irrigation supply, but their results obtained were below acceptable values. However, Bilate scheme had significantly better land and water productivity than Furfuro scheme. This may be use high value crops, better agricultural inputs, and removal of grass cover and sedimentation from canal systems. Hence, Bilate irrigation scheme was better performing than Furfuro scheme. Therefore, adopt the best practices learned from Bilate irrigation scheme for the Furfuro scheme.
The effects of pore structure on wave dispersion and attenuation due to squirt flow: A dynamic stress-strain simulation on a simple digital pore-crack model
Authors: Yang Zhifang , Cao Hong , Zhao Luanxiao , Yan Xinfei , Wang Yirong , Zhu Wei
Published: April 2024

Squirt flow, a phenomenon typically observed in porous cracked rocks, occurs due to the contrasting compressibility between the pores and cracks, leading to the pore pressure diffusion and dissipation of wave energy. Understanding the influence of pore structure on wave dispersion and attenuation signatures due to squirt flow is essential for interpreting seismic and sonic logging data in various fields of earth and energy sciences, such as hydrocarbon exploration, geothermal energy exploitation, and CO2 sequestration. In this study, we construct a simple digital pore-crack model with varying pore structures and use a dynamic stress-strain simulation approach to characterize wave dispersion and attenuation signatures due to squirt flow. Numerical simulation suggests that, in addition to the commonly considered parameters such as porosity, crack density, and crack aspect ratio, additional pore structure parameters, such as pore size, pore aspect ratio, crack orientation, crack length, and crack width, significantly affect the wave dispersion and attenuation signatures. Increasing the pore size leads to the pronounced enhancement of attenuation magnitude and a decrease in characteristic frequency. We demonstrate that variations in crack length have a pronounced impact on attenuation magnitude, whereas crack width is decisive in controlling the characteristic frequency. Furthermore, it is found that the saturation paths (the gas filling the pore first or gas filling the crack first) considerably affect the velocity-saturation and attenuation-saturation relationship, suggesting that the coupling effects of pore structure and fluid distribution complicate the fluid pressure diffusion and wave attenuation behaviors. The presented results offer insights for deciphering pore structure parameters using attenuation- or dissipation-related seismic attributes.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induce an Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Marrero-Rodriguez Daniel , Cortes-Morales Victor A , Cano-Zaragoza Amayrani , Martinez-Mendoza Florencia , Kerbel-Suton Jacobo , Vela-Patiño Sandra , Chavez-Santoscoy Alejandra , Hinojosa-Alvarez Silvia , Hernandez-Perez Jesus , Gomez-Apo Erick , Fajardo-Orduña Guadalupe R , Taniguchi-Ponciano Keiko , Montesinos Juan Jose , Mercado Moises
Published: April 2024

Context

The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes diverse cellular components such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and immune cells, among others. MSC have been isolated from different tumors and they favor tumor cell growth; however, their role in pituitary tumors (PTs) remains unknown.

Objective

Herein we report the presence of MSCs in 2 adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-secreting PTs causing Cushing disease (MCU), 2 nonfunctioning adenomas of gonadotrope differentiation (MNF), and 2 nontumoral pituitary glands (MS).

Methods

We have analyzed the transcriptomic profiles by RNA sequencing and compared MSCs in terms of their immunosuppressive effects against lymphoid T-cell and macrophage populations by means of cocultures and flow cytometry.

Results

Our transcriptomic analysis revealed molecular differences between MSCs derived from nontumoral pituitaries and MSCs derived from PTs. Two distinct subpopulations of MSC emerged: one displaying immunosuppressive properties and the other with increased proproliferative capabilities, regardless of their origin. MSCs derived from ACTH- and nonfunctioning PTs, but not those derived from nontumoral glands, significantly inhibited the proliferation of activated T cells, favored the generation of regulatory T cells, and promoted M2 macrophage polarization. Such immunosuppressive effects were correlated with an upregulation of programmed death ligand 1 and intracellular expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and interleukin-10. Importantly, MSC derived from ACTH-PTs showed a higher immunosuppressive potential than MSC isolated from nonfunctioning tumors.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the presence of at least 2 MSC subpopulations in the pituitary gland and suggests that immunosuppressive effects of MSCs may have important implications in PT growth.
Air Pollution and Diabetes Mellitus: Association and Validation in a Desert Area in China
Authors: Li Lin , Ji Weidong , Wang Zhe , Cheng Yinlin , Gu Kuiying , Wang Yushan , Zhou Yi
Published: April 2024

Context

Despite the growing evidence pointing to the detrimental effects of air pollution on diabetes mellitus (DM), the relationship remains poorly explored, especially in desert-adjacent areas characterized by high aridity and pollution.

Objective

We conducted a cross-sectional study with health examination data from more than 2.9 million adults in 2 regions situated in the southern part of the Taklamakan Desert, China.

Methods

We assessed 3-year average concentrations (2018-2020) of particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) through a space-time extra-trees model. After adjusting for various covariates, we employed generalized linear mixed models to evaluate the association between exposure to air pollutants and DM.

Results

The odds ratios for DM associated with a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM1, PM2.5, PM10, CO, and NO2 were 1.898 (95% CI, 1.741-2.070), 1.07 (95% CI, 1.053-1.086), 1.013 (95% CI, 1.008-1.018), 1.009 (95% CI, 1.007-1.011), and 1.337 (95% CI, 1.234-1.449), respectively. Notably, men, individuals aged 50 years or older, those with lower educational attainment, nonsmokers, and those not engaging in physical exercise appeared to be more susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution. Multiple sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of these findings.

Conclusion

Our study provides robust evidence of a correlation between prolonged exposure to air pollution and the prevalence of DM among individuals living in desert-adjacent areas. This research contributes to the expanding knowledge on the relationship between air pollution exposure and DM prevalence in desert-adjacent areas.
Rehabilitation management of postmenopausal osteoporosis associated with degenerative neurological conditions
Authors: Pipernea Roxana , Dumitrescu Gabriela , Popa Florina Ligia , Stanciu Mihaela , Iliescu Mădălina Gabriela , Carsote Mara , Nistor Claudiu , Brescan Adelina , Brescan Sergiu , Ciortea Viorela-Mihaela , Irsay Laszlo , Ungur Rodica , Ciobanu Ileana
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Background: The evolving association of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and stroke may aggravate postmenopausal osteoporosis. In this situation, inactivity and lack of movement are the main factors that contribute contribute to exacerbate osteoporosis and the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures. Material and Methods: We present the case of a 62-year-old female patient diagnosed with diffuse postmenopausal osteoporosis, Parkinson's dis-ease, and left frontal ischemic lacuna. 6 months before admission to our rehabilitation clinic, she suffered a trauma by falling that resulted in an L3 vertebral fracture and a right forearm fracture. L2-L4 posterior segmental spinal fusion and right forearm osteosynthesis were performed. Post-operatively, a motor deficit was found in the lower limbs. She was diagnosed clinically and fol-lowing neurophysiological investigations with bilateral external popliteal sciatic nerve paresis. In these circumstances, the patient suffered a new trauma, resulting in an open fracture at the same level of the right forearm which also required surgical treatment. Results and discussion: Following the rehabilitation program, the evolution was favorable with improved functioning and partial restoration of walking. Conclusion: The association of degenerative neurological and bone meta-bolic diseases in this case led to significant disability, making the rehabilitation process more challenging.
The experience of Romanian physiotherapists in the
management of postoperative rehabilitation of patients with
total hip arthroplasty - content and criteria for completion of physiotherapy sessions
Authors: Mihajlov Marjan , Onu Ilie , Trofin Dan , Talaghir Laurențiu Gabriel , Coja Daniel Mădălin , Iordan Daniel Andrei , Constantinescu Mihai , Musat Carmina Liana
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a procedure that removes damaged bone and cartilage and replaces it with prosthetic components and is performed by orthopedics. Ob-jective: management of post-operative rehabilitation of THA patients in terms of content and completion criteria of physiotherapy sessions. The research aims to explore the experience of Romanian physiotherapists about the content and completion criteria of physiotherapy sessions involved in the management of postoperative rehabilitation after THA. Methods: The method used in this study was a questionnaire-based survey, with 120 Romanian specialists in the field com-pleting an online screening tool that contained, along with a socio-demographic questionnaire, a series of questions about their professional experience. Results: One of the most important results of the study is the identification of statistically significant associations between the completion criteria of physiotherapy sessions and three techniques included in the rehabilitation program after THA: edema management, gait re-education exercises, and exercises to increase hip mobility. Conclu-sion: The the research revealed that the experience of Romanian specialists regarding postopera-tive rehabilitation after THA is concordant with the experience of specialists in the field, and can be used to develop and test an individualized therapeutic protocol and to design continuing profes-sional training programs for physiotherapists in Romania.
Features of the digital communication tools usage in the social media space (based on political campaigns in Bulgaria materials)
Authors: Volodenkov Sergey , Kraynov S. , Shakirova D.
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this research work is to identify the factors that determine the constructive potential of promoting Bulgarian political parties in the digital environment. To achieve this goal, the article examines the practical experience of using social networks in political campaigns in Bulgaria. At the same time, it is noted that modern digital platforms and social networks are widely used in the country under consideration to communicate with voters in the processes of forming public opinion. To achieve the goal set in the work, the methods of content analysis and discourse analysis of the political segment of the Bulgarian digital space, as well as the Case Study method in the aspect of studying the specifics of the use of digital communication tools by political parties in Bulgaria in the social media space during election campaigns, were used as a methodological basis for the study. Through content analysis, the content parameters of information and communication interaction with the electorate of leading Bulgarian politicians were analyzed in terms of their influence on public opinion. The article examines the cases of information and communication interaction with the electorate of B. Borisov, K. Ninova, R. Radev and H. Ivanov. The paper shows that as a result of the successful application of modern digital technologies of socio-political communication with target electoral audiences, the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party demonstrated the ability to effectively interact with voters through the successful introduction of digital technologies during the election campaign, while the Bulgarian Socialist Party, The party "We continue the Changes" and the electoral bloc "Democratic Bulgaria" have demonstrated significantly less effective work with the electorate in the social media space. Based on the results of the work, the authors conclude that digital platforms and social networks are widely used in Bulgaria today for effective socio-political communication with voters and in shaping public opinion of the country's population.
Discrimination of the Russian-speaking ethnic group in Latvia on the basis of citizenship: political and legal aspects
Authors: Dolzhenkova E.
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Throughout the entire post-Soviet period in Latvia, there has been a problem of finding the Russian-speaking population in the status of non-citizens with limited rights, including political ones. Currently, restrictions have also extended to Russian citizens with a residence permit in Latvia. The study is based on the case study method. Statistical data on the ethnic composition of the country's population are analyzed. Regulatory acts indicating restrictive mechanisms against non-citizens, as amended in 2022 and 2023, are being considered. Using the method of comparative studies, national legislation and legal regulations of the European Union (international standards) in the field of protection of human and civil rights and freedoms are compared. The results of the study show that the entire Russian–speaking population of Latvia is discriminated against, especially the most vulnerable - pensioners, for whom the new rules for obtaining a residence permit are a problem. This may threaten them with the loss of social security, up to and including forced expulsion from the country. The Russian-speaking population in Latvia cannot influence their own position in the country due to the lack of political rights. Throughout the entire period of independence, the Latvian government has been using this group of the population in its own political agenda, ensuring the legitimacy of its own power and decisions. Such internal political processes contribute to the division of society along ethnic lines and the development of discriminatory attitudes. The theoretical significance of the study lies in the systematization of the mechanism of discrimination against a certain group of the population. In turn, the practical significance lies, on the one hand, in drawing the attention of human rights organizations to the problem of discrimination, and on the other hand, it clearly shows the essence of the mechanism of discrimination and ways to improve it in states in the post-Soviet space. Consequently, the results of the study can be applied to the development of mechanisms for the protection of compatriots in other states where discrimination trends are at an early stage.
Fostering Innovative Learning and Satisfaction in Virtual Teamwork: Shedding Light on Apprentices
Authors: Hiller Frank , Zarnow Stefanie
Published: April 2024

Purpose: The digital transformation and the increased use of technologies have changed the world of work severely. With it, collaboration and cooperation methods among employees. Therefore, new ways of working together must be applied to work in an international and digital working environment. For Vocational Education and Training (VET), developing new (transversal) competencies to engage in virtual teamwork is necessary to adequately prepare young professionals for the present and future labor market. However, there is little research on the current situation in VET regarding virtual teamwork. 
Approach: We deployed a cross-sectional design and collected data from N = 181 commercial apprentices in Germany regarding virtual teamwork. We analyze our data using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the interrelationships between input, process, and outcome variables to foster satisfaction and innovative learning in virtual teams as desired targets of VET. To assess these results regarding virtuality, the complexity of tasks, gender of the apprentices, and the size of the training firms, we derived a multigroup analysis (MGA) of our model. 
Findings: The results indicate that organizational factors have the most significant influence concerning the relationship between input and process factors. Surprisingly, the technical affinity of individuals has only a minor effect. Regarding the relationship between process and outcome factors, motivation and responsibility have the highest impact on innovative learning, whilst communication culture severely affects the perceived satisfaction in virtual teamwork. 
Conclusion: The findings lead to valuable insights on factors influencing virtual teamwork in VET and can help to design learning programs to prepare young professionals to smoothly transition to and successfully master their future working environments by using new ways of collaboration and cooperation. This is particularly relevant for VET, as prior research has focused primarily on primary and secondary education. Lastly, we identify potential scales and items that help capture some of the inherent constructs of virtual teamwork.
Social assistance policy and the working class in Brazil: challenges and contradictions
Authors: Wellen Henrique
Published: April 2024

The objective of this article is to apprehend relations between social assistance policies and the working class in the Brazilian economic and social context. The compensatory nature of social assistance policies is followed by the precariousness of working conditions and the naturalization and individualization of pauperism, which mystify the connection between users and their social class. The apparent disconnection with the working class naturalizes the lack of a guarantee of the right to work and enhances subordination to capital.
Authenticity, Facts and Politics in the Fin-de-Siècle Pushkin Debate
Authors: Schur Anna
Published: April 2024

Abstract: The article focuses on the Pushkin debate of the 1890s to examine attitudes toward facts and authenticity in fin-de-siècle Russia. It traces the clash between positivist-empiricist methods of enquiry that emphasized facts and authenticity and the neo-romantic intuitivist paradigm that dismissed their importance. While the debaters' modes of engaging with the past might have been impacted by an array of factors (generational preferences, professional habits of mind, matters of aesthetic taste), an important rift also followed ideological lines. The fusion of Pushkin with Russia, typical of nationalist and official patriotic narratives, was aligned with a reliance on subjective intuition as a basis for historical depiction. Conversely, accounts devoid of nationalist fervour and ritualized reverence were grounded in positivist methods of enquiry.
Nabokov's Cinematic Sensibility and Film Strategy in The Defense
Authors: Wyllie Barbara
Published: April 2024

Abstract: This article attempts to address two overlooked aspects concerning Nabokov's treatment of cinema in his work and his relationship to the medium. First, it considers the impact of film on Nabokov during his time in pre-revolutionary Russia, arguing that his cinematic sensibility was formed long before his arrival in émigré Berlin and that these early experiences were foundational to an interaction with cinema that continued throughout his career. Secondly, by way of Nabokov's 1928 poem, 'Kinematograf', the article focuses on his third novel, The Defense (Zashchita Luzhina) , a work that has not yet been explored in terms of cinema, to reveal both contemporary film influences and the ways in which Nabokov deployed cinematic themes, styles and techniques in his portrayal of a protagonist who has until now been considered primarily in terms of chess.
A European Entrancement: Animal Magnetism among the Russian Nobility in France and St Petersburg, 1784–1787
Authors: Collis Robert
Published: April 2024

Abstract: This article examines the reception of animal magnetism among the Russian nobility in the mid 1780s, at a time when this pseudo-science aroused the curiosity and scorn of many across Europe. The first part of the article focuses on how young Russian noblemen — including Catherine II's illegitimate son, Aleksei Bobrinskii — first encountered animal magnetism in France during Grand Tours, via Masonic networks that were utilized by their governors. Significantly, the Russian noblemen were not only introduced to Franz Mesmer's well-known form of animal magnetism, which sought to cure ailments through physical contact and the use of baquets , but they were also exposed to magnetic somnambulism. This strand of animal magnetism purportedly enabled patients to see the cause of ailments within themselves and others. Moreover, practitioners in Lyon believed that magnetic somnambulism offered the potential for a somnambule to obtain powers of clairvoyance and to be able to achieve a higher state of spiritual consciousness. The second part of this article studies how both strands of animal magnetism — Mesmeric and magnetic somnambulism — briefly flourished in St Petersburg in 1786, the first practitioner being Borbinskii's governor, before Catherine II effectively banned the practice.
Pharmacological validation of an attention bias test for conventional broiler chickens
Authors: Lourenço da Silva Marconi Italo , Ulans Alexandra , Jacobs Leonie
Published: April 2024

Fear and anxiety are considered concerns for animal welfare as they are associated with negative affective states. This study aimed to pharmacologically validate an attention bias test (ABT) for broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) as a cognitive bias test to determine anxiety. Two-hundred-and-four male Ross 708 broiler chickens were arbitrarily allocated to either the anxiogenic or control treatment at 25 days of age (n = 102/treatment). Birds from the anxiogenic group were administered with 2.5 mg of β-CCM (β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid-N-methylamide [FG 7142]) per kg of body weight through an intraperitoneal injection (0.1 ml/100 g of body weight). Birds from the control group were administered with 9 mg of a saline solution per kg of body weight. During ABT, birds were tested in groups of three (n = 34 groups of three birds/treatment) with commercial feed and mealworms as positive stimuli and a conspecific alarm call as a negative stimulus. Control birds were 45 s faster to begin feeding than anxiogenic birds. Birds from the control group vocalized 40 s later and stepped 57 s later than birds from the anxiogenic group. The occurrence of vigilance behaviors did not differ between treatments. This study was successful in pharmacologically validating an attention bias test for fast-growing broiler chickens, testing three birds simultaneously. Our findings showed that latencies to begin feeding, first vocalization, and first step were valid measures to quantify anxiety.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of factors related to first line drugs refractoriness in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME)
Authors: Fayad Claire , Saad Kely , Kahwagi Georges-Junior , Hallit Souheil , Griffin Darren , Abou-Khalil Rony , El-Hayek Elissar
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) is a prevalent form of epileptic disorder, specifically categorized within the realm of Genetic Generalized Epilepsy (GGE). Its hallmark features encompass unprovoked bilateral myoclonus and tonic-clonic seizures that manifest during adolescence. While most JME patients respond favorably to anti-seizure medication (ASM), a subset experiences refractory JME, a condition where seizures persist despite rigorous ASM treatment, often termed “Drug-Resistant Epilepsy” (DRE). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the prevalence of refractory JME, and further to identify socio-demographic, electrophysiological and clinical risk factors associated with its occurrence. Pinpointing these factors is crucial as it offers the potential to predict ASM responsiveness, enabling early interventions and tailored care strategies for patients.

Material and methods

The systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Cochrane Handbook and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study evaluated outcomes post ASM treatment in JME cohorts by searching papers published up to September 2023 in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Predefined inclusion criteria were met by 25 eligible studies, forming the basis for analysis.

Results

A total of 22 potential risk factors for refractory JME were documented. Notably, robust risk factors for treatment resistance included Psychiatric Disorder (Odds Ratio (OR), 3.42 [2.54, 4.61] (95% Confidence Inverval (Cl)), Febrile Seizures (OR, 1.83 [1.14, 2.96] (95% Cl)), Alcohol Consumption (OR, 16.86 [1.94, 146.88] (95%Cl)), Aura (OR, 2.15 [1.04, 4.47] (95%Cl)), childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) evolving into JME (OR, 4.54 [1.61, 12.78] (95%CI)), occurrence of three seizure types (OR, 2.96 [1.96, 4.46] (95%CI)), and Focal EEG abnormalities (OR, 1.85 [1.13, 3.01] (95%Cl)). In addition, there were some non-significant risk factors for DRE because of noticeable heterogeneity.

Conclusion

In aggregate, over 36% of JME patients demonstrated drug resistance, with seven significant risk factors closely linked to this refractoriness. The interplay between these factors and whether they denote treatment non-response or heightened disease burden remains an open question and more studies would be required to fully examine their influence.
‘Fettered mobility’ and translocality: Irregular farm workers and the informal labour market in rural Taiwan
Authors: Cockel Isabelle , Zani Beatrice , Parhusip Jonathan S.
Published: April 2024

Investigating the multi-layered mobility of Southeast Asian irregular farm workers in rural Taiwan, this article examines the formation of their mobility in a physical, geographical, occupational and socio-economic sense. Focusing on frequent movement in these four aspects, this article coins the term ‘fettered mobility’ for workers’ constant relocation in the villages’ informal farm labour market. In tandem with the focus of this Special Issue on the ongoing transformations of migration at the crossroad between the legal, social and economic obstacles dictated by nation states and the market, and new patterns of movement, this article shows how ‘fettered mobility’ is an unintentional result of the Taiwanese state’s mobility regime, which regulates foreign nationals’ mobility by categorizing a hierarchical legal status. Fettered mobility is facilitated by the translocal migrant community constituted by the co-ethnic link between migrant workers and migrant spouse farmers, and also by the inter-ethnic link between the migrant community on the one hand and Taiwanese farmers and unlicensed brokers on the other. When migration is reconfiguring at a global, regional and local scale, fettered mobility is an assemblage in which the state, market and individual amalgamate into a networked, mobile, irregular and precarious labour force in which unprotected migrant workers are vulnerable to the state’s power to repatriate. Repatriation is an omnipresent threat, and anyone who knows of a migrant worker’s fettered mobility can put an end to their migration. Presenting fettered mobility as an assemblage, this article enriches the ongoing debate on the relationship between mobility and immobility and underlines its conditionality and instability.
‘In the middle … waiting for a future’: Time and waiting in partner visa migration and family violence in Australia
Authors: Borges Jelinic Ana
Published: April 2024

This article reports on findings regarding the experience of prolonged temporariness of migrant women on partner visas that separated after experiencing domestic or family violence (sponsored women). Four participants’ narratives were selected from a longitudinal study to understand how women rebuild their lives after violence while in an uncertain visa status. The analysis reported in this article reveals two strong experiences: Investigation and waiting times and productive waiting. The conclusion is that like with protection visa applicants and students, waiting and prolonged temporariness is experienced as harmful and delaying progression and healing even when the sponsored women engaged in productive waiting. Further, time and waiting also shape women’s experiences of migration and in the case of this cohort, their relationship with the host country and their experience of safety and well-being.
Situación epidemiológica de la salmonelosis en España en el periodo prepandémico (2013-2019)
Authors: Carbajo Otero Alberto , León Gómez Inmaculada , Pereboom Maicas Matilde Desirée , Varela Martínez María del Carmen
Published: April 2024

Introducción: la salmonelosis es la segunda enfermedad gastrointestinal más notificada y la primera causa de brote alimentario en España y en la UE. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la distribución temporal y las características epidemiológicas de la salmonelosis en España durante el periodo prepandémico 2013-2019, utilizando tres fuentes de información diferentes.
Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo en el que se estudiaron los casos individualizados y los brotes de salmonelosis notificados a la Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica, y los datos registrados en el Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos de Altas Hospitalarias entre 2013 y 2019.
Resultados: Se notificaron 60.771 casos de forma individualizada, 2.233 brotes y 24.096 altas hospitalarias de salmonelosis. La Incidencia Acumulada (IA) de los casos individualizados aumentó hasta 2016, aunque 2018 fue el año de mayor IA. La Incidencia acumulada de periodo (IAp) fue más elevada en hombres que en mujeres, tanto para los casos individualizados (27,76 y 25,05, respectivamente) como para las altas hospitalarias (8,32 y 6,50, respectivamente). En los casos individualizados la mayor incidencia se dio en el grupo de 1 a 4 años y en las altas hospitalarias en los menores de un año. El número de casos individualizados, de brotes y de altas hospitalarias fue mayor en los meses cálidos. El alimento notificado con mayor frecuencia en los brotes fue el huevo y el ámbito de ocurrencia el hogar.
Conclusiones: La incidencia de la salmonelosis a nivel nacional e internacional sigue siendo elevada. El huevo y sus derivados son los alimentos que se asocian en más ocasiones a brotes alimentarios. El análisis conjunto de varias fuentes de datos mejora la vigilancia epidemiológica al aportar información complementaria relevante para la toma de decisiones.
The Petrography and geochemistry of iron-bearing units from Mingo’o area (Ntem complex, southern Cameroon)
Authors: Edjo-Minko Rodrigue , Isaac Bertrand Mbowou GBAMBIE , Daama Isaac , Nguihdama Dagwai , Mienlam Essi Mike-Franck
Published: April 2024

The banded iron formation (BIF) of the Mingo’o region is located on the northern edge of the Congo Craton. They constitute a significant component of the southern Cameroonian Archean to Paleoproterozoic. Petrographic description indicates that the most characteristic facies of the Mingo'o BIFs are quartz-magnetite BIFs (QMB), which are mostly composed of magnetite and quartz. Geochemistry analyses show that the major elements of this BIF are very simple, with SiO2 and Fe2O3 representing 95.25 wt. % of the bulk rock on average. The low concentrations of Al2O3, TiO2, and HFSE reveal that these chemical sediments are detritus-free. According to Paerson's major element correlation matrix, there is a slight contribution of detrital material to chemical sediment, as confirmed by the strong positive correlation (r = 0.72) of Al and Ti, also by the binary diagrams Al vs. Σ(Y + Nb + Zr) with a weak positive correlation (r2 = 0.31) and Al vs. ΣREE with a zero correlation (r2 = 0.08), indicating that the detrital input was insignificant. The transition metals Zn, Cr, Sr, and V are among the trace elements with low enrichments. This suggests the direction of the volcanogenic hydrothermal input in chemical precipitates. The mean ∑REE concentration of the studied BIF is 26.74 ppm, with a range of 8.82 to 36.74 ppm. Pure chemical sediments are comparable to that. The shale-normalized patterns display minor positive europium anomalies, a sharp decrease in heavy REE, and enrichment in light REE. These geochemical characteristics suggest that the hydrothermal activity in the deep ocean, coupled with seawater, was the source of the Fe and Si. Low-temperature hydrothermal solutions play a key role in the studied BIF, as shown by the absence of a notable positive Eu anomaly. Ce anomalies are seen in the chrondrite-normalized REE patterns, which are characterized by LREE-enriched (mean LaCN/YbCN = 5.28) and HREE depletion (mean TbCN/YbCN = 1.04) patterns. This may indicate that the BIF within the Mingo’o region was formed in place of the basin towards redoxcline, alternating at different times and under various influences from the influx of seawater that has been oxidized.
Study of Lacertilian (Lizards) diversity of District Dir (L), KPK, Pakistan
Authors: Safi Amtyaz , Ud Din Yousufzai Sultan , Shah Masood , Ullah Atta , Gul Hina , Usman Ali Hashmi Muhammad , Karl Hans-Volker
Published: April 2024

The current study enlightens the comprehensive picture, relative population status, and species diversity of lizard fauna in the lower Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. This study was designed to collect the data and record/investigate the population status and the diversity of lizard species from six different tehsils (Towns) in this district. We used the latest keys for identification of the collected and observed specimens. A total of 288 specimens of Lizards were examined, the collected specimens belonged to 6 families, 11 genera, and 14 species. The most abundant and observed species was H. brookii and the most abundant and observed family was Gekkonidae in this area during the current study. In this study, we have identified a new species of the genus Cyratopodion, and we will publish it after a thorough investigation in near future. The present study provides a baseline for future extensive studies on lizard habitat analysis, population dynamics, systematics, and phylogeny for incoming researchers and experts of herpetology.
Generation of GFP Native Protein for Detection of Its Intracellular Uptake by Cell-Penetrating Peptides
Authors: Kadkhodayan S. , Sadat S. M. , Irani S. , Fotouhi F. , Bolhassani Azam
Published: April 2024

Different types of lipid- and polymer-based vectors have been developed to deliver proteins into cells, but these methods showed relatively poor efficiency. Recently, a group of short, highly basic peptides known as cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) were used to carry polypeptides and proteins into cells. In this study, expression and purification of GFP protein was performed using the prokaryotic pET expression system. We used two amphipathic CPPs (Pep-1 and CADY-2) as a novel delivery system to transfer the GFP protein into cells. The morphological features of the CPP/GFP complexes were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Zetasizer, and SDS-PAGE. The efficiency of GFP transfection using Pep-1 and CADY-2 peptides and TurboFect reagent was compared with FITC-antibody protein control delivered by these transfection vehicles in the HEK-293T cell line. SEM data confirmed formation of discrete nanoparticles with a diameter of below 300 nm. Moreover, formation of the complexes was detected using SDS-PAGE as two individual bands, indicating non-covalent interaction. The size and homogeneity of Pep-1/GFP and CADY-2/GFP complexes were dependent on the ratio of peptide/cargo formulations, and responsible for their biological efficiency. The cells transfected by Pep-1/GFP and CADY-2/GFP complexes at a molar ratio of 20 : 1 demonstrated spreading green regions using fluorescent microscopy. Flow cytometry results showed that the transfection efficiency of Pep-based nanoparticles was similar to CADY-based nanoparticles and comparable with TurboFect-protein complexes. These data open an efficient way for future therapeutic purposes.
Reinventing the self through participatory art: writing and performing among rough sleepers
Authors: Piazza Roberta
Published: April 2024

Cupchik (2013. ‘I am, therefore I think, act, and express both in life and in art’) claims that being is associated with artistic expressions of various kinds. In line with this notion, the present paper reports on a socially engaged art project that involved the clients at a day centre for people experiencing homelessness. For nearly four months, the participants met once a week for a few hours under the direction of a facilitator and a film-maker who video-recorded the group activities. The experimental ethnographic project aimed to establish whether engagement in creative art can provide these usually ‘invisible’ individuals with an opportunity to reflect on their self and find a voice. The paper describes the group’s activities and the individuals’ responses. The focus is on the minimal narratives the clients produced from surrealistic scenarios to personal memories and political reprieves. The study shows how intrinsically participatory art, centred on the encounter of the participants’ different subjectivities, can encourage self-reflection among individuals with problematic lives.