bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent utilization of eating disorder higher level of care: roles of family-based treatment adherence and demographic factors
Authors: Lau Josephine S. , Kline-Simon Andrea H. , Schmittdiel Julie A. , Sterling Stacy A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Outpatient family-based treatment (FBT) is effective in treating restrictive eating disorders among adolescents. However, little is known about whether FBT reduces higher level of care (HLOC) utilization or if utilization of HLOC is associated with patient characteristics. This study examined associations between utilization of eating disorder related care (HLOC and outpatient treatment) and reported adherence to FBT and patient characteristics in a large integrated health system.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study examined 4101 adolescents who received care for restrictive eating disorders at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. A survey was sent to each medical center to identify treatment teams as high FBT adherence (hFBT) and low FBT adherence (lFBT). Outpatient medical and psychiatry encounters and HLOC, including medical hospitalizations and higher-level psychiatric care as well as patient characteristics were extracted from the EHR and examined over 12 months post-index.

Results

2111 and 1990 adolescents were treated in the hFBT and lFBT, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, initial percent median BMI, and comorbid mental health diagnoses, there were no differences in HLOC or outpatient utilization between hFBT and lFBT. Females had higher odds of any utilization compared with males. Compared to White adolescents, Latinos/Hispanics had lower odds of HLOC utilization. Asian, Black, and Latino/Hispanic adolescents had lower odds of psychiatric outpatient care than Whites.

Conclusions

Reported FBT adherence was not associated with HLOC utilization in this sample. However, significant disparities across patient characteristics were found in the utilization of psychiatric care for eating disorders. More efforts are needed to understand treatment pathways that are accessible and effective for all populations with eating disorders.
Validation of a low-cost continuous renal replacement therapy dialysate fluid controller for experimental purposes
Authors: dos Santos Yuri de Albuquerque Pessoa , Park Viviane Flor , Cardozo Junior Luis Carlos Maia , Besen Bruno Adler Maccagnan Pinheiro , Mendes Pedro Vitale , Park Marcelo
Published: February 2024

Background

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) support is crucial for critically ill patients and it is underexplored in specific situations. Experimental CRRT offers a means to gain insights into these scenarios, but the prohibitive cost of CRRT machines limits their accessibility. This study aimed to develop and validate a low-cost and precise dialysate controller for experimental CRRT.

Results

Our results demonstrate a commendable level of precision in affluent flow control, with a robust correlation (R2 = 0.99) for continuous flow and a strong correlation (R2 = 0.95) for intermittent flow. Additionally, we observed acceptable agreement with a bias = 3.4 mL (upper limit 95% = 43.9 mL and lower limit 95% = − 37 mL) for continuous flow and bias = − 20.9 mL (upper limit 95% = 54 mL and lower limit 95% = − 95.7 mL) for intermittent flow, in this way, offering a precise CRRT dose for the subjects. Furthermore, we achieved excellent precision in the cumulative ultrafiltration net (UFnet), with a bias = − 2.8 mL (upper limit 95% = 6.5 mL and lower limit 95% = − 12 mL). These results remained consistent even at low affluent flow rates of 8, 12, and 20 mL/min, which are compatible with CRRT doses of 25–30 mL/kg for medium-sized animals. Moreover, the acceptable precision of our findings persisted when the dialysate controller was subjected to high filter dialysate chamber pressure for an extended duration, up to 797 min.

Conclusions

The low-cost dialysate controller developed and tested in this study offers a precise means of regulating CRRT in experimental settings. Its affordability and accuracy render it a valuable instrument for studying CRRT support in unconventional clinical scenarios, particularly in middle-income countries’ experimental ICU laboratories.
Unnatural amino acid substitutions to improve in vivo stability and tumor uptake of 68Ga-labeled GRPR-targeted TacBOMB2 derivatives for cancer imaging with positron emission tomography
Authors: Wang Lei , Kuo Hsiou-Ting , Zhang Zhengxing , Zhang Chengcheng , Chen Chao-Cheng , Chapple Devon , Wilson Ryan , Colpo Nadine , François Bénard  , Lin Kuo-Shyan
Published: February 2024

Background

Overexpressed in various solid tumors, gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is a promising cancer imaging marker and therapeutic target. Although antagonists are preferable for the development of GRPR-targeted radiopharmaceuticals due to potentially fewer side effects, internalization of agonists may lead to longer tumor retention and better treatment efficacy. In this study, we systematically investigated unnatural amino acid substitutions to improve in vivo stability and tumor uptake of a previously reported GRPR-targeted agonist tracer, [68Ga]Ga-TacBOMB2 (68Ga-DOTA-Pip-D-Phe6-Gln7-Trp8-Ala9-Val10-Gly11-His12-Leu13-Thz14-NH2).

Results

Unnatural amino acid substitutions were conducted for Gln7, Trp8, Ala9, Val10, Gly11 and His12, either alone or in combination. Out of 25 unnatural amino acid substitutions, tert-Leu10 (Tle10) and NMe-His12 substitutions were identified to be preferable modifications especially in combination. Compared with the previously reported [68Ga]Ga-TacBOMB2, the Tle10 and NMe-His12 derived [68Ga]Ga-LW01110 showed retained agonist characteristics and improved GRPR binding affinity (Ki = 7.62 vs 1.39 nM), in vivo stability (12.7 vs 89.0% intact tracer in mouse plasma at 15 min post-injection) and tumor uptake (5.95 vs 16.6 %ID/g at 1 h post-injection).

Conclusions

Unnatural amino acid substitution is an effective strategy to improve in vivo stability and tumor uptake of peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals. With excellent tumor uptake and tumor-to-background contrast, [68Ga]Ga-LW01110 is promising for detecting GRPR-expressing cancer lesions with PET. Since agonists can lead to internalization upon binding to receptors and foreseeable long tumor retention, our optimized GRPR-targeted sequence, [Tle10,NMe-His12,Thz14]Bombesin(7–14), is a promising template for use for the design of GRPR-targeted radiotherapeutic agents.
Risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Fazal Zahra A , Avina-Galindo Ana Michelle , Marozoff Shelby , Kwan Jessie , Lu Na , Avina-Zubieta J. Antonio
Published: February 2024

Background

Thrombotic events, such as venous thromboembolism (VTE) are a major health complication linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the risk of VTE, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), in adults with RA compared to the general population.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to April 2022 to identify publications meeting the following criteria: (1) prospective and retrospective original data from cohort or case-control studies; (2) pre-specified RA definition; (3) clearly defined VTE outcomes; (4) reported risk estimate and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs); (5) at least sex- and age-matched to comparison group; and (6) English language. Of 372 studies screened, 14 were included (602,760 RA patients, 123,076 VTE events) and their quality was assessed by an adaptation of the STROBE quality scoring scale.

Results

The pooled risk ratios of VTE, DVT and PE in patients with RA were 1.57 (95% CI 1.41–1.76), 1.58 (95% CI 1.26–1.97) and 1.57 (95% CI 1.30–1.88), respectively. The I2 value of 92%, 94% and 92% for VTE, DVT and PE analyses, suggesting considerable heterogeneity. There were no significant differences in risk estimates among the five subgroup analyses: quality score (P = 0.35, I2 = 0%); sex (P = 0.31, I2 = 1.7%); study year (P = 0.81, I2 = 0%); population source (P = 0.35, I2 = 0%); study design (P = 0.62, I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

Results show that patients with RA are at a higher risk of VTE, DVT and PE compared to the general population.
Prevalence of operable intracranial lesions from mild traumatic brain injury in a National Trauma Centre
Authors: Kpuduwei Selekeowei Peter Kespi , Yusuf Ayodeji Salman
Published: February 2024

Background

Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) occupies majority of head traumas in most emergency units. Although patients with mild TBI can be reviewed and discharged on head injury advice, a sizeable number require admission for observation or intervention due to operable intracranial lesions. The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of operable lesions in patients with mild TBI.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective study of consecutive adult patients with mild TBI who had cranial computerized tomography (CT) done at the National Trauma Centre, Abuja. All participants gave informed consent and the study had ethical clearance in the Hospital.

Results

One hundred and three mild TBI patients with cranial CTs were recruited aged 16–76 years with mean age of 32.25$$\pm$$
±
12.35 years. With intention to treat, twenty (20.4%) of them were diagnosed with operable intracranial lesions on CT scans, 19 males and 2 females. Majority of them (14; 66.7%) were young adults within 20–40 years of age. The lesions were 16 extradural haematomas (76.2%), 3 subdural haematomas (14.3%) and 2 depressed skull fractures (9.5%) of the operable cohort.

Conclusions

Significant number of patients with mild TBI had operable intracranial lesions. Therefore, there is need to screen patients with mild TBI appropriately in order to avoid missed operable lesions.
Intrusion detection system for controller area network
Authors: Tanksale Vinayak
Published: February 2024

The rapid expansion of intra-vehicle networks has increased the number of threats to such networks. Most modern vehicles implement various physical and data-link layer technologies. Vehicles are becoming increasingly autonomous and connected. Controller area network (CAN) is a serial bus system that is used to connect sensors and controllers (electronic control units—ECUs) within a vehicle. ECUs vary widely in processing power, storage, memory, and connectivity. The goal of this research is to design, implement, and test an efficient and effective intrusion detection system for intra-vehicle CANs. Classic cryptographic approaches are resource-intensive and increase processing delay, thereby not meeting CAN latency requirements. There is a need for a system that is capable of detecting intrusions in almost real-time with minimal resources. Our research proposes a long short-term memory (LSTM) network to detect anomalies and a decision engine to detect intrusions by using multiple contextual parameters. We have tested our anomaly detection algorithm and our decision engine using data from real automobiles. We present the results of our experiments and analyze our findings. After detailed evaluation of our system, we believe that we have designed a vehicle security solution that meets all the outlined requirements and goals.
Failure investigation of a propped cantilever truss bridge
Authors: Adhikari Rabindra , Bhatt Lalit , Baruwal Rewati , Gautam Dipendra , Rupakhety Rajesh
Published: February 2024

Propped cantilever truss is not a common bridge construction technique. The performance of such bridges under operational and extreme loading is not reported in the literature either. In this paper, failure mechanisms in a propped cantilever truss bridge are reported using field investigation. The field observations are supplemented by numerical analysis to identify the causes of failure. A a systematic account of damage mechanisms in bridge components is also reported. The failure of the Lamgadi Bridge over the Seti River in Nepal is used as a case study example. The loading and construction protocols are detailed, and numerical analysis results are juxtaposed with the field observations to explain the failure mechanisms. Field observations and numerical results show that lack in adequate design is the most likely cause of the bridge collapse. Numerical results also indicate that the roller support at the propped end, unlike the hinged pot bearing used in the as constructed bridge would have been a safer choice. The failure could have been easily prevented with proper numerical simulation of the bridge response during the design phase.
Optimizing nanoparticle attributes for enhanced anti-wear performance in nano-lubricants
Authors: Kulkarni Trishul , Toksha Bhagwan , Autee Arun
Published: February 2024

This study delves into optimizing nanoparticle attributes to enhance the anti-wear performance of nano-lubricants, specifically exploring the influence of nanoparticle material hardness and concentration. Investigating the impact of contamination-induced abrasive wear in lubricants and the subsequent enhancement of anti-wear properties through nanoparticle integration into base oil, the research focuses on, CaCO3, TiO2, and Al2O3 materials representing varied hardness levels. Using ASTM D4172 standards, the study examines the wear resistance of base oil infused with these nanoparticles. Employing a response surface methodology model based on experimental data, the criticality of the interaction between nanoparticle material hardness and concentration in determining wear effects is revealed. Analysis through atomic force microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry aids in comprehending alterations in wear mechanisms. The research highlights the nuanced relationship between nanoparticle material hardness and concentration in shaping wear behavior within lubricants. Softer materials, like CaCO3, demand higher concentrations for comparable wear reduction as observed with lower concentrations of harder materials, such as Al2O3. Conversely, higher concentrations of harder materials can exacerbate wear, as confirmed by EDS analysis and surface topography studies. This study underscores the importance of nanoparticle material hardness and concentration interaction in determining the efficacy of nanoparticles as anti-wear agents in lubricants. It emphasizes the need to optimize both factors for enhanced anti-wear properties in nanoparticle-based nano-lubricants, offering insights crucial for their application in practical scenarios.
Mixed-Methods Study of End-of-Life Experiences of Patients With Hematologic Malignancies in Social Hospice Residential Home Care Settings
Authors: Weisse Carol S. , Melekis Kelly , Cheng Alice , Konda Anuja Keerthi , Major Ajay
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

Hospice is underutilized by patients with hematologic malignancies (HM), and when patients are referred, they are typically more ill, hospitalized, and with shorter length of stay (LOS) than patients with solid tumors (ST), limiting research about home hospice care experiences of patients with HM. In this mixed-methods study, we examined the hospice experiences of patients with HM who died at residential care homes (RCHs), home-based settings in which volunteer caregivers and hospice staff provide end-of-life (EOL) care under the social hospice model.

METHODS

We queried a registry of 535 hospice patients who died at RCHs between 2005 and 2020 that included quantitative medication administration data as well as qualitative data from hospice intake forms and written volunteer caregiver narratives. Qualitative data were analyzed by collective case study methodology. Quantitative comparisons of LOS and liquid morphine use were performed with matched patients with ST.

RESULTS

The registry yielded 29 patients with HM, of whom qualitative data were available for 18 patients. Patients with HM exhibited common EOL symptoms (pain, dyspnea, and agitation). Instances of bleeding were low (22%), and notable HM-specific care concerns were described regarding bone fractures, skin integrity, and delirium. Most (78%) experienced good symptom management and peaceful or comfortable deaths. In only one case were symptoms described as severe and poorly managed. Patients with HM had comparable LOS on hospice and at the RCHs to patients with ST, with no group differences in liquid morphine use.

CONCLUSION

In this registry cohort, most patients with HM achieved good symptom management in home care settings with volunteer caregivers and hospice support. Caregivers may require additional counseling and palliative medications for HM-specific EOL symptoms.
Spontaneous Remission of Acquired Generalized Lipodystrophy Presenting in the Postpartum Period
Authors: Bhatia Ranvir , Chennupathi Prathyusha , Rosenstein Elliot D , Advani Sonoo
Published: February 2024

Acquired generalized lipodystrophy (AGL) is a rare condition characterized by the diffuse loss of adipose tissue resulting in hyperglycemia, severe insulin resistance, and sequelae of metabolic disease. Here, we report the case of a 32-year-old woman who developed uncontrolled hyperglycemia and significant weight loss within 2 months postpartum. Upon endocrine evaluation, she was found to have generalized loss of adiposity, hypoleptinemia, and persistent hyperglycemia despite aggressive insulin administration. Glycemic response was obtained with U-500 intramuscular insulin, pioglitazone, and metformin-sitagliptin. At 14 months postpartum, the patient achieved spontaneous remission with normoglycemia off medication and restoration of adipose tissue deposition. Autoimmune workup revealed positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein (anti-U1-RNP) titers, suggestive of an autoimmune etiology to her condition. This case of AGL represents the first reported case of spontaneous remission and the first to develop in the postpartum period.
A Mixed-Methods Cohort Study Evaluating the Impact of a One-Day Well-Being Course for Anesthesia Providers Working in Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Bailey Jonathan G. , Mossenson Adam I. , Whynot Sara , Nyirigira Gaston , Gower Shelley , Livingston Patricia
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Burnout, depression, and anxiety are increasingly recognized as common among health care providers. Risks for these conditions are exacerbated in low-resource settings by excessive workload, high disease burden, resource shortage, and stigma against mental health issues. Based on discussions and requests to learn more about burnout during the Vital Anaesthesia Simulation Training (VAST), our team developed VAST Wellbeing, a 1-day course for health care providers in low-resource settings to recognize and mitigate burnout and to promote personal and professional well-being.

METHODS:

This mixed-methods study used quantitative pre- and postcourse surveys using validated mental health measures and qualitative semistructured interviews to explore participants’ experience of VAST Wellbeing during and after the course. Quantitative outcomes included burnout and professional fulfillment as measured by the Professional Fulfillment Index and general well-being as measured by the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale.

RESULTS:

Twenty-six participants from 9 countries completed the study. In the immediate postcourse survey, study participants rated the course overall as “very good” (60.7%) and “excellent” (28.6%). Quantitative analysis showed no statistical differences in levels of work exhaustion, interpersonal disengagement, burnout, professional fulfillment, or general mental well-being 2 months after the course. Five themes on the impact of VAST Wellbeing were identified during qualitative analysis: (1) raising awareness, breaking taboos; (2) not feeling alone; (3) permission and capacity for personal well-being; (4) workplace empowerment; and (5) VAST Wellbeing was relevant, authentic, and needed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Causes of burnout are complex and multidimensional. VAST Wellbeing did not change measures of burnout and fulfillment 2 months postcourse but did have a meaningful impact by raising awareness, reducing stigma, fostering connection, providing skills to prioritize personal well-being, and empowering people to seek workplace change.
Anterior vs Posterior Surgery for Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: An Observational Study From the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network
Authors: Evaniew Nathan , Bailey Christopher S. , Rampersaud Y. Raja , Jacobs W. Bradley , Phan Philippe , Nataraj Andrew , Cadotte David W. , Weber Michael H. , Thomas Kenneth C. , Manson Neil , Attabib Najmedden , Paquet Jerome , Christie Sean D. , Wilson Jefferson R. , Hall Hamilton , Fisher Charles G. , McIntosh Greg , Dea Nicolas
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The advantages and disadvantages of anterior vs posterior surgical approaches for patients with progressive degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) remain uncertain. Our primary objective was to evaluate patient-reported disability at 1 year after surgery. Our secondary objectives were to evaluate differences in patient profiles selected for each approach in routine clinical practice and to compare neurological function, neck and arm pain, health-related quality of life, adverse events, and rates of reoperations.

METHODS:

We analyzed data from patients with DCM who were enrolled in an ongoing multicenter prospective observational cohort study. We controlled for differences in baseline characteristics and numbers of spinal levels treated using multivariable logistic regression. Adverse events were collected according to the Spinal Adverse Events Severity protocol.

RESULTS:

Among 559 patients, 261 (47%) underwent anterior surgery while 298 (53%) underwent posterior surgery. Patients treated posteriorly had significantly worse DCM severity and a greater number of vertebral levels involved. After adjusting for confounders, there was no significant difference between approaches for odds of achieving the minimum clinically important difference for the Neck Disability Index (odds ratio 1.23, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.86,P= .31). There was also no significant difference for change in modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, and differences in neck and arm pain and health-related quality of life did not exceed minimum clinically important differences. Patients treated anteriorly experienced greater rates of dysphagia, whereas patients treated posteriorly experienced greater rates of wound complications, neurological complications, and reoperations.

CONCLUSION:

Patients selected for posterior surgery had worse DCM and a greater number of vertebral levels involved. Despite this, anterior and posterior surgeries were associated with similar improvements in disability, neurological function, pain, and quality of life. Anterior surgery had a more favorable profile of adverse events, which suggests it might be a preferred option when feasible.
Novel Use of Bilateral Prone Transpsoas Approach for the Treatment of Transforaminal Interbody Fusion Pseudarthrosis and Interbody Cage Subsidence
Authors: Farber S. Harrison , Ehresman Jeff , Lee Bryan S.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Pseudarthrosis is a complication after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) that leads to recurrent symptoms and potential revision surgery. Subsidence of the interbody adds to the complexity of surgical revision. In addition, we report a novel technique for the treatment of TLIF pseudarthrosis with subsidence and propose an approach algorithm for TLIF cage removal.

METHODS:

Cases of reoperation for TLIF pseudarthrosis were reviewed. We report a novel technique using a bilateral prone transpsoas (PTP) approach to remove a subsided TLIF cage and place a new lateral cage. An approach algorithm was developed based on the experience of TLIF cage removal. The patient was placed in the prone position with somatosensory evoked potential and electromyography monitoring. A PTP retractor was placed using standard techniques on the ipsilateral side of the previous TLIF. After the discectomy, the subsided TLIF cage was visualized but unable to be removed. The initial dilator was closed, and a second PTP retractor was placed on the contralateral side. After annulotomy and discectomy to circumferentially isolate the subsided cage, a box cutter was used to push and mobilize the TLIF cage from this contralateral side, which could then be pulled out from the ipsilateral side. A standard lateral interbody cage was then placed.

RESULTS:

Retractor time was less than 10 minutes on each side. The patient's symptoms resolved postoperatively. We review illustrative cases of various approaches for TLIF cage removal spanning the lumbosacral spine and recommend an operative approach based on the lumbar level, degree of subsidence, and mobility of the interbody.

CONCLUSION:

Bilateral PTP retractors for TLIF cage removal may be effectively used in cases of pseudarthrosis with severe cage subsidence. Careful consideration of various factors, including patient surgical history, body habitus, and intraoperative findings, is essential in determining the appropriate treatment for these complex cases.
Blood Test–Based Age Acceleration Is Inversely Associated with High-Volume Sports Activity
Authors: JUHÁSZ VENCEL , ORSZÁG ANNA , BALLA DOROTTYA , SZABÓ LILIÁNA , SYDÓ NÓRA , KISS ORSOLYA , CSULAK EMESE , BABITY MÁTÉ , DOHY ZSÓFIA , SKODA RÉKA , BECKER DÁVID , MERKELY BÉLA , BENCZÚR ANDRÁS , VÁGÓ HAJNALKA , KEREPESI CSABA
Published: February 2024

Purpose

We develop blood test–based aging clocks and examine how these clocks reflect high-volume sports activity.

Methods

We use blood tests and body metrics data of 421 Hungarian athletes and 283 age-matched controls (mean age, 24.1 and 23.9 yr, respectively), the latter selected from a group of healthy Caucasians of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to represent the general population (n = 11,412). We train two age prediction models (i.e., aging clocks) using the NHANES dataset: the first model relies on blood test parameters only, whereas the second one additionally incorporates body measurements and sex.

Results

We find lower age acceleration among athletes compared with the age-matched controls with a median value of −1.7 and 1.4 yr, P < 0.0001. BMI is positively associated with age acceleration among the age-matched controls (r = 0.17, P < 0.01) and the unrestricted NHANES population (r = 0.11, P < 0.001). We find no association between BMI and age acceleration within the athlete dataset. Instead, age acceleration is positively associated with body fat percentage (r = 0.21, P < 0.05) and negatively associated with skeletal muscle mass (Pearson r = −0.18, P < 0.05) among athletes. The most important blood test features in age predictions were serum ferritin, mean cell volume, blood urea nitrogen, and albumin levels.

Conclusions

We develop and apply blood test–based aging clocks to adult athletes and healthy controls. The data suggest that high-volume sports activity is associated with slowed biological aging. Here, we propose an alternative, promising application of routine blood tests.
Authoritative models and grassroots responses to crisis
Authors: Αμαριανάκης Σταμάτιος
Published: February 2024

Η παρούσα διατριβή εστιάζει στις πρακτικές, τα νοήματα και τις αντιλήψεις της βάσης στο πλαίσιο της ελληνικής οικονομικής κρίσης και των οικονομικών αναδιαρθρώσεων που προβλέπονταν στα μέτρα λιτότητας τα οποία, σε μεγάλο βαθμό επιβλήθηκαν μονομερώς, χωρίς την κοινωνική συναίνεση, από ηγεμονικούς θεσμούς και τις ελληνικές κυβερνήσεις μεταξύ 2010 και 2016. Χρησιμοποιώ μια προσέγγιση "από κάτω" για να προσδιορίσω τις κοινωνικές,οικονομικές, πολιτικές και πολιτισμικές μετατοπίσεις και ρήξεις που η επιβολή των μέτρων λιτότητας και των νεοφιλελεύθερων πολιτικών προκάλεσε, στη Χαλκίδα, μια μεσαίου μεγέθους (μετα)βιομηχανική πόλη. Αντιπαραθέτω τους κυρίαρχους ορισμούς και εξηγήσεις της κρίσης με τις εθνικές και τοπικές εμπειρίες, πρακτικές ώστε να θέσω τις βάσεις για μια διαβαθμική (interscallar) ανάλυση που συνδέει παγκόσμιες διαδικασίες με τοπικές οικονομικές πρακτικές και μοντέλα διαβίωσης. Η παρούσα διατριβή βασίζεται σε 18-μήνη συστηματική επιτόπια έρευνα που πραγματοποιήθηκε από τον Απριλίου 2015 έως τον Δεκέμβριο 2016. Το υλικό της έρευνάς συλλέχθηκε μέσω της συμμετοχικής παρατήρησης σε χώρους εργασίας, δημόσιους χώρους και νοικοκυριά. Επιπλέον, δεδομένα συλλέχθηκε από ημιδομημένες προσωπικές και ομαδικές συνεντεύξεις, καθώς και πολλές άτυπες συζητήσεις σε καφετέριες, ταβέρνες και υπαίθριες αγορές. Με βάση την υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία για την κρίση, τον νεοφιλελευθερισμό, την εξουσία και την ανάλυση κλίμακας (scale), τους μετασχηματισμούς των νοικοκυριών, την κοινωνική αλληλεγγύη και την άτυπη κοινωνία, αξιολογώ τον αντίκτυπο της κρίσης και της λιτότητας στις κοινωνικοοικονομικές σχέσεις και τα καθιερωμένα μοντέλα διαβίωσης/βιοπορισμού. Η έρευνά μου καταδεικνύει ότι οι άνθρωποι σε μια επαρχιακή πόλη όπως η Χαλκίδα αντιστάθμισαν τη λιτότητα και τις επιπτώσεις της κρίσης στους διαθέσιμους οικονομικούς πόρους τους και την αναδιάρθρωση του κράτους πρόνοιας. Αυτό έγινε εφικτό με την επανεφεύρεση παραδοσιακών δομών οργάνωσης και πρακτικών, οι οποίοι επικρατούσαν στον παρελθόν, όταν οι διαθέσιμοι πόροι ήταν επίσης περιορισμένοι. Προτείνω, επομένως, ότι η κρίση έγινε αντιληπτή ως μια οπισθοδρομική κίνηση που αμφισβητούσε τις γραμμικές διαδικασίες και τις εννοιολογήσεις της νεωτερικότητας και της προόδου. Αντλώντας από ιστορικές συνέχειες και ρήξεις σε τοπική, εθνική και διεθνή κλίμακα, η διατριβή αυτή προσφέρει μια πλούσια εθνογραφική περιγραφή της καθημερινής ζωής υπό τη συνθήκη του " ζώντας μέσα" στην κρίση και του "ζώντας με" την κρίση.Translated with DeepL.com (free version).
Plotting Poetry 6: The Plot. Storytelling in Verse. Conference Report
Authors: Bories Anne-Sophie , Ruiz Fabo Pablo , Kiss Margit , Plecháč Petr , Seláf Levente
Published: February 2024

Plotting Poetry 6: The Plot. Storytelling in Verse. Conference Report
Kultura jezuicka w życiu religijnym unickiej eparchii przemyskiej XVII-XIX w.
Authors: Pilipowicz Denys
Published: February 2024

The article is dedicated to the manifestations of the influence of the Jesuit culture on the broadly understood religious life of the Uniate eparchy of Przemyśl. Their activity, initiated in the second half of the 16th century in Jarosław, was aimed at the implementation of the Jesuit mission, i.e. serving the Church and the state through the development of education and the apostolic mission. For this purpose, schools were established, first in Jarosław and later in Przemyśl, which raised the intellectual level of both young people and the level of cultural life in the eparchy, and opening up to representatives of other denominations, including Orthodox youth, gave a chance for new conversions to the Catholic Church. Jesuit education was mainly aimed at mastering poetic and rhetorical patterns that developed oratory skills so needed in social and political life. Such a teaching model also had a practical dimension, as it enabled to effectively solicit the support of political and religious elites needed for the development of educational projects. Hence the occasional literature that was so popular at that time, which praised benefactors, bishops and rulers. The addressees of such a type of works were also Uniate bishops, to whom a whole complex of panegyric works was devoted. The influence of the Jesuits on the religious life of the Przemyśl eparchy, both Catholic and Uniate, was finally manifested through the cult of saints associated with the Society of Jesus (SJ). Among the Jesuit saints, Stanisław Kostka or Ignacy Loyola should be mentioned, but also John of Nepomuk, recognised as the patron of the Jesuits, who died long before the rise of the SJ. Although the cult of the aforementioned saints was not sanctioned in the Uniate church, it was, especially among the hierarchy and clergy, an element of the religious life of the multi-religious community of the cultural borderland, which was and has remained the eparchy of Przemyśl to this day.
Na kanwie przeglądu wybranych pozycji prozy jugosłowiańskiej (ex libris) – perspektywa politologiczna
Authors: Bujwid-Kurek Ewa
Published: February 2024

The main research objective of the article was to draw attention to political science, meaning the interdisciplinary (read: subdisciplinary) themes, partly sociological, partly psychological or philosophical present in the literature of Yugoslav nations in the series Yugoslaviańska exlibris translated from Serbo-Croatian into Polish. Yugoslav prose published by Wydawnictwo Łódzkie in the decade 1975-1985 was analysed: three novels by Ivo Andric Konsulowie ich cesarskiej mości, Opowiadania o Bracie Piotrze. Rozmowa z Goyą and Ex Ponto proza poetycka i wiersze; Branko Belan, Kto zapuka do moich drzwi; Dušan Kalić, Brzeg bez słońca; Miodarg Bulatović, Bohater na ośle; Dragislav Mihailović, Wieniec Petrii; Vidoslav Stevanović, Konstantin Gorča; Mirko Božić, Bomba; Ranko Marinković, Cyklop; Miloš Crnjanski, Wędrówki; Boba Blagojević, Wszystkie zwierzęta które są z Tobą; Krsto Špoljar, Kłopoty z muzą; Dobrilo Nenadić, Dorotej. The created characters with their flaws and virtues, experiencing worries more often than joys, being entangled in the events of the times in which they happened to live, are of invaluable value from the political science perspective in understanding the meandering ‘Yugoslavian’, and nowadays also ‘post-Yugoslavian’ history. Belles-lettres, including the prose of the Yugoslav nations, undoubtedly constitutes a kind of added value in understanding the behaviour of people and this part of Europe.
Fiesta de las fallas jako forma budowania tożsamości lokalnej w Walencji
Authors: Romanowska Jadwiga
Published: February 2024

The Fallas is the biggest festival in the Valencian Autonomous Community, celebrated every year in March. Festive collective sociability might be the key to understanding it. This term describes the relationship between the participants of Fallas de Valencia very well. The aim of the text is to analyse the Valencian Fallas festival from the perspective of collective sociability, which affects the reconstruction and reinterpretation of tradition, builds local bonds and maintains the Valencian cultural identity.
Trzysta lat w klasztorze… dziedzictwo misjonarzy katolickich na Filipinach i jego obraz w Eli, Eli Wojciecha Tochmana
Authors: Czech Franciszek
Published: February 2024

The article presents the heritage of Catholic orders operating in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. This is not a historical study, however, but a historically oriented cultural analysis in which the past is viewed through the prism of memory. The subject of the analysis is a reportage book Eli, Eli by Wojciech Tochman. The first part of the paper recalls key fragments of this cultural text depicting Spanish colonisation and the role of Catholic orders in this period. They constitute a starting point for a critical analysis of the claims presented there and for the reconstruction of crucial features of missionary activity in the Philippines.
Pęknięcie, z którego wychodzą duchy. Tożsamość postkolonialna w powieści Helen Oyeyemi Mała Ikar
Authors: Binczycka-Gacek Elżbieta
Published: February 2024

The main aim of the article is to analyse Helen Oyeyemi’s novel The Icarus Girl, particularly emphasizing the theme of the main character’s dual cultural identity. The article strives to situate this novel within the context of postcolonial literature, comparing its themes and narrative conventions to those in other well-known works of the genre, such as Randall Kenan’s A Visitation of Spirits and Toni Morrison’s Beloved. Special emphasis is placed on African motifs and the Afro-Gothic narrative convention, a technique consciously employed in postcolonial literature to process the trauma of colonialism.
Immediate effects of circular trunk movements on reach distance and centre of pressure distance during a multidirectional seated reach task in participants with post-stroke hemiparesis: a non-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nabeya Ryohei , Fujii Hiromi , Sato Toshiaki
Published: February 2024

Background/Aims

Sitting balance training is an important therapeutic tool used by physical and occupational therapists who work with patients with hemiparesis, many of whom have difficulty shifting their weight while sitting. This study assessed the immediate effects of circular trunk movements on the maximum reach distance and the centre of pressure distance that could be achieved during a multidirectional reach task in participants with post-stroke hemiparesis and healthy individuals as a control group.

Methods

This non-randomised controlled study included 26 participants with hemiparesis and 10 age-matched control participants. A functional reach apparatus, body pressure distribution measuring system and digital video camera were used to measure multidirectional reach, centre of pressure trajectories and circular trunk movements. The participants completed the assessments in the following order: multidirectional reach, circular trunk movements and repeat multidirectional reach. The authors classified the centre of pressure trajectories into type A (oval) and type B (non-oval) tracings according to the shape displayed by the circular trunk movements, which corresponded to the level of trunk function. The reach distance and centre of pressure distance before and after the circular trunk movements were compared.

Results

The reach distance and centre of pressure distance values in the front direction of participants with hemiparesis who exhibited type A tracings and had higher trunk function were significantly greater after completing circular trunk movements. In contrast, the reach distance and centre of pressure distance values of participants in all directions who exhibited type B tracings and had lower trunk function were significantly greater after completing circular trunk movements.

Conclusions

Circular trunk movements appeared to affect both reach distance and centre of pressure distance, particularly in participants with hemiparesis with type B tracings and lower trunk function.

Implications for practice

Physical and occupational therapists could incorporate circular trunk movements into rehabilitation programmes to help individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis improve their reach distance, trunk function and ability to shift their weight while sitting.
Conservative treatment and physiotherapy in people with Dupuytren's disease
Authors: Polastri Massimiliano , Cantagalli Stefano
Published: February 2024

In this editorial, the authors discuss the different approaches to treating people with Dupuytren's disease.
Diversity of endophytic fungi isolated from tree spinach (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) (Euphorbiaceae) and their bioactivities
Authors: PRAPTIWI PRAPTIWI , PALUPI KARTIKA DYAH , ILYAS MUHAMMAD , MARLINA LINA , FATHONI AHMAD
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Praptiwi, Palupi KD, Ilyas M, Marlina L, Fathoni A. 2023. Diversity of endophytic fungi isolated from tree spinach Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Euphorbiaceae) and their bioactivities. Biodiversitas 24: 6229-6239. Endophytic fungi associated with medicinal plants have been known as a reservoir for therapeutic compounds. Cnidoscolus aconitifolius I.M. Johns (Euphorbiaceae), which possesses several local names, including papaya jepang in Indonesia, has been historically used as traditional medicine. However, research on the bioactivity of endophytic fungi associated with it has yet to be conducted. The purposes of the study were to isolate endophytic fungi from C. aconitifolius and determine their bioactivity, i.e., antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and S. aureus and free radical scavenging activity representing antioxidant activity. Identification of endophytic fungi was carried out based on their morphological characteristics. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by the spectrophotometric method. The qualitative antibacterial and antioxidant bioactivity screening was performed using the TLC-bioautography method. The quantitative analysis of antibacterial and antioxidant activity was conducted by microdilution to obtain IC50 and MIC values. In total, 14 endophytic fungal isolates were successfully isolated. Antioxidant analysis showed that one isolate had strong antioxidant activity, and one had moderate growth inhibition activity against E. coli. The total phenolic content strongly correlates with the AAI value as an indicator of antioxidant activity. The findings of this study reveal that Phomopsis PjBg-1, an endophytic fungus from C. aconitifolius, is identified as Phomopsis sp. LH243 possesses strong antioxidant activity and moderate antibacterial activity against E. coli. Endophytic fungi from C. aconitifolius have the prospect of being an alternative to antioxidants and antibacterials. The isolation of compounds responsible for bioactivities needs to be further studied.
Identification and molecular detection of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi colonized naturally in citrus roots in nurseries
Authors: SARIASIH YENNY , SUBANDIYAH SITI , WIDYANINGSIH SRI , KHURSHID TAHIR , MO JIANHUA
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Sariasih Y, Subandiyah S, Widyaningsih S, Khurshid T, Mo J. 2023. Identification and molecular detection of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi colonized naturally in citrus roots in nurseries. Biodiversitas 24: 6283-6290. Citrus plants heavily depend on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AMF), a diverse collection of fungi. The objective of this study was to investigate the root colonization, spore density, spore morphology, and molecular identification of AMF colonizing four citrus root species: Japansche Citroen (Citrus limonia Osbeck.), Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reshni), Salam (Fortunella japonica cv. "Salam"), and Rough Lemon (Citrus jambhiri). AMF was identified by observing spore morphology and molecular PCR methods using the group-specific primers of Glomeromycota, AML1/AML2. Based on the morphological observation, C. limonia was found with the highest root colonization (50%), followed by F. japonica cv Salam (44%), C. reshni (38%), and C. jambhiri (36%). The highest number of AMF spores was found on C. jambhiri rhizosphere soil, which had 1,379 spores/100 g of soil with the lowest percentage of root colonization. Three mycorrhizal genera were identified, with Funneliformis (syn. Glomus) being the most dominant genus, followed by Gigaspora and Acaulospora. The sequence of PCR products confirmed the highest similarity range from 83.7-99.0% to that of Funneliformis, followed by Acaulospora at a similarity range from 83.3-99.0% and found on all of the citrus species. The similarity sequence of the PCR products to that of Gigaspora ranged between 83.3-95.0%, which was only found on C. reshni and C. jambhiri.
Clinical risk factors of recurrent kidney stone disease: a cohort retrospective study in a tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Atmoko Widi , Febriyani  , Savitri Ary Indriana , Uiterwaal Cuno , Setiati Siti , Hamid Agus Rizal Ardy Hariandy , Birowo Ponco , Rasyid Nur
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND Nephrolithiasis or kidney stone disease (KSD) is common worldwide. Despite various effective treatment strategies, KSD recurrence remains a problem. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of KSD recurrence.

METHODS This retrospective cohort study used medical records of all patients who came to the Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, from January 2014 to December 2019, with asymptomatic and symptomatic KSD. Demographic information, clinical data, exposure to risk factors, and recurrent KSD diagnosis were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression were performed to determine the significant risk factors.

RESULTS We reported 325 patients with a median age of 52 years. More than half of the patients were males and from Java. Staghorn stone dominated the KSD types found in 181 patients (55.7%). After undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy, 214 patients (65.8%) became stone-free. However, about 40.6% of them later developed recurrent KSD. The adjusted odds ratio in recurrent KSD were 1.46 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33–1.59) for younger age, 1.86 (95% CI 1.61–2.07) for overweight–obese, 2.13 (95% CI 1.89–2.31) for less fluid intake, 1.81 (95% CI 0.97–2.12) for routine tea consumption, 1.24 (95% CI 1.06–1.84) for routine vegetables consumption, 2.27 (95% CI 1.83–2.84) for a family history of KSD, and 2.08 (95% CI 1.77–2.39) for diabetes mellitus (DM).

CONCLUSIONS Most patients with recurrent KSD were younger, overweight/obese, had less fluid intake, a family history of KSD, and DM. Modifying a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet is important to prevent KSD recurrence.
The Short Life of a Statutory Label: War Mobilization and Underclass Migration in Eighteenth-Century Sichuan
Authors: Pan Yiying
Published: February 2024

Abstract: During the Qianlong period, both Qing state documents and the local sources in Sichuan preserved increased records of "guolu," a label referring to a type of crime-prone, male, underclass migrants in Sichuan. Amid active policy discussions of the guolu problem, the Qing state first added a guolu substatute to the Qing Code in 1758 and later tried to eliminate guolu as a statutory category after a large incident in 1781. This article traces the trajectory of the statutory category of guolu and analyzes how the Qing state's strategy of managing underclass migrants in Sichuan transformed during the eighteenth century. In particular, this article contextualizes the legislative and policy turns within the socioeconomic impacts of the two Jinchuan Wars (17471749; 17711776), which significantly reshaped the scale of underclass mobility in Sichuan and scholar-officials' perceptions of underclass migrants. Influenced by the labor-intensive military supply and the socioeconomic impacts of warfare, the Qing state's policies on guolu criminality and underclass mobility transformed from the exclusion of targeted groups to the accommodation of nonagrarian means of livelihood and networks. The case of guolu suggests that the eighteenth-century Qing state was also developing policies of cooption and mobilization, in addition to statutory vilification, to tackle the quickly expanding scale of underclass mobility. Through this case, this article calls attention to the military perspective as a key to understanding the interactions among underclass criminality, judicial discourse, and bureaucratic process in Qing China.
Dulling the Rake with Charm: The Politics of Mid-Century Comedy in The Suspicious Husband
Authors: Castro-Santana Anaclara
Published: February 2024

Abstract: David Garrick's most frequently performed role was that of Ranger in Benjamin Hoadly's The Suspicious Husband (1747). Once in exceptional demand on the stage and in print, this play is now an obscure curiosity, seldom read, even less often performed. This essay sets out to revitalize attention to The Suspicious Husband by pursuing two interrelated arguments. First, that Hoadly's play is a sophisticated comedy that not only entertains, but also offers crucial information about the theatrical politics of its time. Second, that Ranger embodies a midpoint between audacity and moral rectitude that helps illuminate the mid-eighteenth century as an important moment of transition in the history of taste and morals. Presented as a failed libertine in training, whose exploits amount to mere boasting, but who does not reform in the end, Ranger can be seen as a figure who took in the best-liked qualities of the stage rake and then transformed them into a defanged variant of the type. Moreover, although The Suspicious Husband has been characterized as "apolitical," I argue that Ranger is actually offering a quiet, yet potent political statement. In presenting the rake as a charming, but ultimately powerless character, the play belittled the Jacobite threat that had been neutralized less than a year earlier. The Suspicious Husband thus exemplifies how mid-century drama engaged in politics without seeming to do so by resorting to the same ambivalent joviality with which it tackled romance and sex.