bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amy Levy’s Decadent ‘Medea’
Authors: Wise Julie
Published: August 2024

This essay focuses on Amy Levy’s 1882 ‘Medea. A Fragment after Euripides’, suggesting that the poem offers a meditation on decadence and its possibilities. Specifically, Levy examines its potential as a means of exploring the experiences of a cultural outsider, experiences that resonate with Levy’s own circumstances as an Anglo-Jewish New Woman whose primary attachments were to other women. While Medea had emerged from mid-Victorian literature and poems like Augusta Webster’s ‘Medea in Athens’ as a wronged woman whose victimization merits troubled sympathy, Levy develops a sceptical view of this interpretation. When Levy’s Medea pleas for sympathetic understanding, her listeners have none to offer the figure of racial and sexual otherness in their midst. Drawing from late-century revaluations of Euripides and his work by writers like John Addington Symonds, Levy restores Medea to her status as a decadent femme fatale. In doing so, she calls attention to the limitations of sympathy as a means of understanding while proposing decadence – a language of excess, irony, and ambiguity – as a language available to cultural outsiders for challenging their marginalization.
Preamble
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter covers the preamble for the application of the CISG. The intentions of the drafters of the Preamble provide guidance in regard to the often difficult task to interpret the CISG in a manner promoting ‘good faith in international trade’ (Article 7(1)). An interpretation of the Convention’s rules under Article 7(1) must therefore ultimately lead to results which are in conformity with the intentions of their drafters and the spirit of the Convention as laid down and embodied in the Preamble. Whether the Preamble may also be of use for gap-filling under Article 7(2) for determining the general principles on which the Convention is based is disputed but, according to the chapter, is to be answered in the affirmative. Indeed, as the chapter shows, the CISG expressly provides that gaps are first of all to be filled by resorting to ‘the general principles on which it is based’.
Substantive scope of convention
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter takes a look at Article 4, which deals with what the Convention does and does not govern. Article 4, sentence 1 has an introductory function. It does not exhaustively list the issues relating to formation of contract and the rights and obligations of the parties. Determining these provisions’ scope is a matter of interpretation. If according to such interpretation the CISG covers a specific subject matter but does not contain explicit language, Article 7(2) calls for gap-filling using the general principles on which the Convention is based, or in the absence of such, the applicable domestic law. In all of these situations, great caution is in order to avoid transposing inadvertently domestic preconceptions to the CISG which may then unduly narrow or expand the Convention’s scope in disregard of its international character and hence violation of Article 7(1).
Interpretation of parties’ statements or conduct
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter takes a look at Article 8 of the CISG. Here, the Convention unifies the standards of contract interpretation and thus displaces conflicting national rules of interpretation and evidence. Article 8 specifies the standards of interpretation of statements made and conduct addressed in the text and at the same time governs the interpretation of the concluded contract. The primary standard is the intention of the parties supplemented by the (objective) understanding of a reasonable person of the same kind. In addition, the provision lists several circumstances to be taken into account in the interpretation. Beyond the interpretation in a narrow sense, the provision gives important indications of the possibilities and limits of a judicial supplementation of the contract respective the acceptance of implied terms. Finally, Article 8 together with Articles 14 et seq is one of the guidelines for the treatment of standard terms and conditions, which is only rudimentarily covered by the Convention.
Late acceptance
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses acceptances as per Article 21. Article 21 lays down special rules on late acceptances. These rules operate in close systematic connection with Article 18(2) and the basic rule contained therein, according to which the effectiveness of acceptances depends on their timeliness. In principle, an acceptance that reaches the offeror late is therefore ineffective. Article 21 provides two exceptions to this rule that both are based on similar policy considerations, but are each limited to a specific reason for the acceptance’s late receipt by the offeror. In both constellations covered by Article 21, a contract is formed by the acceptance in spite of its delay.
Definition of ‘reaches’
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter clarifies the definition of reaches that is presented in Article 24. It explains Article 24 as the moment at which a party declaration reached the respective addressee through the means of communication to communicate. Moreover, Article 24 functions as a risk allocation provision. The chapter then notes the difference between oral declarations and declarations delivered by other means such as telegram, SMS, WhatsApp or WeChat. It also highlights the importance of proving the addressee’s actual awareness and knowledge of the declaration. Additionally, a foreign language is considered as an impediment to the declaration reaching the addressee as it could run the language risk of misunderstanding the context.
Time of delivery
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter notes Article 33, which covers the time when the seller must deliver the goods as required by Article 31. In line with Article 6, parties are free to determine the time for delivery in their contract. The time of delivery will determine when the buyer could initiate the remedies under the Convention in cases of non-delivery. The chapter notes the difference between the delivery period and the period for taking delivery. It highlights the seller’s and buyer’s rights to choose the date for delivery as well. If the contract does not fix a time for delivery, the seller must deliver the goods within a ‘reasonable time’ under Article 33.
Buyer’s remedies for seller’s breach of contract
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter looks into the buyer’s remedies in line with the seller’s failure to perform any of his contractual obligations. Article 45 tackles issues such as claims for damages and the lack of period of grace. All of the buyer’s remedies referred to in Article 45 are available only if the seller fails to perform any one of his obligations under the contract or the Convention. Additionally, the right to perform is not dependent on the fault or circumstances within the seller’s control. The chapter then discusses the remedies under Articles 46-52. It also includes the seller’s guaranteed liability based on the failure to perform the contractual obligation.
Passing of risk when goods are sold in transit
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter centers on the passage of risk when the goods are sold in transit. Article 68 holds that the risk in respect of goods sold in transit passes to the buyer from the time of the conclusion of the contract. However, if the circumstances so indicate, the risk is assumed by the buyer from the time the goods were handed over to the carrier who issued the documents embodying the contract of carriage. Meanwhile if at the time of the conclusion of the contract of sale, the seller knew or ought to have known that the goods had been lost or damaged and did not disclose this to the buyer, the loss or damage is at the risk of the seller.
Passing of risk in other cases
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter looks at Article 69, which is a residual rule covering situations left out in Articles 67 and 68. Its provisions address situations where the buyer collects the goods at the place of the seller, in which case risk passes there; and where the seller has to bring the goods to a certain place, in which case risk passes there. Article 69 distinguishes taking over the goods as the moment in which risk passes and placing the goods at the buyer’s disposal as the moment in which risk passes. Article 69 requires sufficient identification of the goods to the contract. The chapter, nevertheless, acknowledges that the provision is of limited practical relevance given the widespread use of Incoterms or equivalent provisions in international sales contracts.
Calculation of damages in case of avoidance without substitute transaction
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses Article 76, which allows the party who has avoided the contract to abstractly calculate its non-performance loss as the difference between the contract price and the market price. The provision is based on the notion that the promisee has the right to make a substitute transaction at the market price. The chapter underscores that the provision is only applicable when no substitute transaction has been entered into and where the contract has been avoided. The calculation of loss on the basis of Article 76 is only possible if the goods contracted for have a market price. The existence of a price fixed by the contract is also a prerequisite.
Breach caused by creditor
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter focuses on provisions about how a party may not rely on a failure of the other party to perform, to the extent that such failure was caused by the first party’s act or omission. Article 80 has no direct predecessor in the ULIS. It explains that the article was included in the Convention based on a proposal by the former German Democratic Republic and provides for a complete exemption of the promisor from its contractual obligations. The chapter mentions civil law authors that conceive Article 80 to be an expression of the general principle of good faith. In contrast to other provisions, Article 80 does not specify the consequences of contributory or comparative negligence on the part of the promisee.
Introduction to Articles 81–84 CISG: General questions regarding the effects of avoidance
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the consequences and effects of contract avoidance that are comprehensively governed by Articles 81–84. It points out that these articles are one of the few areas where the Convention’s attempt to provide for a reasonable and modern solution has failed. Gaps have remained and outdated solutions that have hardly ever proved satisfactory have been retained. The chapter explains how Articles 81–84 settle the technical aspects of rewinding a contract that has been avoided. The rewinding of a contract is preceded by two questions: ‘Are there sufficient grounds for avoiding the contract?’ and ‘Has avoidance been properly declared?’
Introduction to Articles 89–101 CISG: General questions regarding the final provisions
Authors: Schwenzer Ingeborg , Schroeter Ulrich G
Published: August 2024

This chapter focuses on Article 89, which designates the Secretary-General of the United Nations as depositary of the 1980 Sales Convention. It highlights the designation of Article 89 that resembles the majority of conventions that were drawn up and concluded within the framework of the UN. In contrast to earlier international conventions, the Sales Convention does not comprehensively spell out the depositary’s tasks under the Convention but restricts itself to designating the depositary as addressee of a number of State declarations. The chapter recounts the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties that inter alia codified the tasks of depositaries before the Sales Convention’s text was finalized in early 1980. Article 89 is a purely diplomatic clause with a mostly formal content, which in itself is neither addressed to nor of relevance for commercial courts, private parties and their legal advisers.
Formalities, taking effect and withdrawal of declarations
Authors: & Schlechtriem
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses Article 97 that governs the formalities of State declarations made under Part IV of the Sales Convention and the question when such declarations take effect. In theory and practice, the majority of declarations covered by Article 97 are reservations. It cites Article 97(4), (5) that address the actus contrarius to the making of State declarations, namely their withdrawal. The chapter elaborates how Article 97 is addressed to States in their role as State parties to the Convention and is primarily of interest to government officials who handle the making of declarations or their withdrawal. The effect of declarations can be relevant for private parties and their legal advisers, given that declarations may affect the applicability of the Sales Convention to a given sales transaction.
The 21-cm signal during the end stages of reionization
Authors: Giri Sambit K , Bianco Michele , Schaeffer Timothée , Iliev Ilian T , Mellema Garrelt , Schneider Aurel
Published: August 2024

During the epoch of reionization (EoR), the 21-cm signal allows direct observation of the neutral hydrogen (H i) in the intergalactic medium (IGM). In the post-reionization era, this signal instead probes H i in galaxies, which traces the dark matter density distribution. With new numerical simulations, we investigated the end stages of reionization to elucidate the transition of our Universe into the post-reionization era. Our models are consistent with the latest high-redshift measurements, including ultraviolet (UV) luminosity functions up to redshift $\simeq$8. Notably, these models consistently reproduced the evolution of the UV photon background, which is constrained from Lyman-$\alpha$ absorption spectra. We studied the dependence of this background on the nature of photon sinks in the IGM, requiring mean free path of UV photons to be $\sim$10 comoving-megaparsecs (cMpc) during the EoR that increases gradually with time during late stages ($z\lesssim 6$). Our models revealed that the reionization of the IGM transitioned from an inside-out to an outside-in process when the Universe is less than 0.01 per cent neutral. During this epoch, the 21-cm signal also shifted from probing predominantly the H i in the IGM to that in galaxies. Furthermore, we identified a statistically significant number of large neutral islands (with sizes up to 40 cMpc) persisting until very late stages ($5 \lesssim z \lesssim 6$) that can imprint features in Lyman-$\alpha$ absorption spectra and also produce a knee-like feature in the 21-cm power spectrum.
Phosphatidylserine-dependent antiprothrombin antibodies as a key predictor for systemic lupus erythematosus in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Wei Jiang , Fujieda Yuichiro , Fujita Yusuke , Ogata Yusuke , Hisada Ryo , Kono Michihito , Amengual Olga , Kato Masaru , Atsumi Tatsuya
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. Although PAPS is distinct from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the two conditions share clinical features and susceptibility genes. Progression from PAPS to SLE is well recognized. However, risk factors for this transition are poorly understood. We aimed to identify predictors of progression to SLE in patients with PAPS.

Methods

A longitudinal single-centre study was conducted at Hokkaido University Hospital from 1990 to 2021. Baseline characteristics, including clinical features, laboratory data, and antiphospholipid antibody profiles, were compared between patients who progressed to SLE (SLE group) and those who did not (non-SLE group).

Results

Among 64 patients diagnosed with PAPS at baseline, nine (13.8%) progressed to SLE over a mean follow-up duration of 9 years (incidence rate, 1.61 per 100 person-years). At the time of the diagnosis of PAPS, the SLE group had a higher prevalence of phosphatidylserine-dependent antiprothrombin antibody (aPS/PT) and anti-dsDNA antibodies compared to the non-SLE group. Other clinical findings, autoantibody profiles, and serum complement levels were similar between the two groups. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that aPS/PT IgG was significantly associated with SLE development (hazard ratio: 10.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.13–92.6, P = .04).

Conclusions

aPS/PT IgG may be a predictive factor for new-onset SLE in patients with PAPS, suggesting its utility in guiding risk stratification and monitoring strategies for these patients.
Preneutropenic Fever in Patients With Hematological Malignancies: A Novel Target for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Chiodo-Reidy Jessica , Slavin Monica A , Tio Shio Yen , Ng Gywneth , Bajel Ashish , Thursky Karin A , Douglas Abby P
Published: August 2024

Background

Many patients with hematological malignancy develop fever after chemotherapy/conditioning but before chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (preneutropenic fever [PNF]). The proportion of PNF with an infectious etiology is not well established.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, prospective observational substudy of PNF (neutrophils >0.5 cells/μL, ≥38.0°C) in adults receiving acute myeloid leukemia (AML) chemotherapy, or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) conditioning enrolled in a neutropenic fever randomized controlled trial between 1 January and 31 October 2018. Eligible patients had anticipated neutropenia ≥10 days and exclusions included concurrent infection and/or neutropenia prior to chemotherapy or conditioning. PNF rates and infections encountered were described. Associations between noninfectious etiologies and fever were explored. Antimicrobial therapy prescription across preneutropenic and neutropenic periods was examined.

Results

Of 62 consecutive patients included (43 allo-HCT, 19 AML), 27 had PNF (44%) and 5 (19%) had an infective cause. Among allo-HCT, PNF occurred in 14 of 17 (82%) who received thymoglobulin; only 1 of 14 (7%) had infection. During AML chemotherapy, 18 of 19 received cytarabine, of which 8 of 18 (44%) had PNF and 3 of 8 (38%) had infection. Most patients with PNF had antimicrobial therapy continued into the neutropenic period (19/27 [70%]). Those with PNF were more likely to be escalated to broader antimicrobial therapy at onset/during neutropenic fever (5/24 [21%] vs 2/30 [7%]).

Conclusions

Rates of PNF were high, and documented infection low, leading to prolonged and escalating antimicrobial therapy. In the absence of infection, early cessation of empiric therapy after PNF is recommended as an important stewardship intervention.
Acute massive posterior stroke with tonsillar herniation in a scuba diver
Authors: Algaly Gufran , Ahmed Sara M I , Abdelrahman Amro , Elgassim Mohamad Abdelgadir , Parveen Ayesha
Published: August 2024

A transient female passenger in her 40s presented to the emergency department (ED) exhibiting drowsiness post-scuba diving. Despite normal initial vitals, she reported dizziness, sleepiness, and occipital headache. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a severe posterior circulation acute infarction affecting various brain regions, resulting in significant mass effects and complications like 4th ventricle compression, cerebellar tonsillar herniation, and hydrocephalus. Extensive diagnostic tests, blood workup, and stroke evaluations revealed normal findings, except for an incidental patent foramen ovale (PFO). Collaboration with neurosurgery led to her transfer for life-saving extraventricular drain (EVD) insertion and posterior fossa decompression. Treatment included right-side EVD insertion, suboccipital craniectomy, and foramen magnum decompression. Postoperatively, she was extubated the next day, alert, without focal neurological deficits. Upon EVD removal, a repeat CT head scan showed regression of mass effect. She was discharged home safely after 16 days, fully ambulating.
Liquid biopsy in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Machaalani Marc , Eid Marc , Semaan Karl , El Hajj Chehade Razane , Nawfal Rashad , Baca Sylvan C , Choueiri Toni K
Published: August 2024

This commentary focuses on the article by Correa et al on the association of circulating tumor DNA with patient prognosis in renal cell carcinoma.
A lipid synthase maintains metabolic flux for jasmonate synthesis to regulate root growth and phosphate homeostasis
Authors: Pandey Mandavi , Verma Lokesh , Kohli Pawandeep Singh , Singh Bhagat , Kochi Abhijith , Giri Jitender
Published: August 2024

Plants require phosphate (Pi) for proper growth and development but often face scarcity of this vital nutrient in the soil. Pi starvation triggers membrane lipid remodeling to utilize the membrane phospholipid-bound Pi in plants. In this process, phospholipids are replaced by non-Pi-containing galactolipids (monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, MGDG; digalactosyldiacylglycerol, DGDG) and sulfolipids. The galactolipids ratio (MGDG:DGDG) is suggested to influence jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis. However, how the MGDG:DGDG ratio, JA levels, and root growth are coordinated under Pi deficiency in rice (Oryza sativa) remains unknown. Here, we characterized DGDG synthase 1 (OsDGD1) for its role in regulating root development by maintaining metabolic flux for JA biosynthesis. We showed that OsDGD1 is responsive under low Pi and is under the direct control of Phosphate Starvation Response 2, the master regulator of low Pi adaptations. Further, OsDGD1 knockout (KO) lines showed marked phenotypic differences compared to the wild type, including a significant reduction in root length and biomass, leading to reduced Pi uptake. Further, lipidome analyses revealed reduced DGDG levels in the KO line, leading to reduced membrane remodeling, thus affecting P utilization efficiency. We also observed an increase in the MGDG:DGDG ratio in KO lines, which enhanced the endogenous JA levels and signaling. This imbalance of JA in KO plants led to changes in auxin levels, causing drastic root growth inhibition. These findings indicate the critical role of OsDGD1 in maintaining optimum levels of JA during Pi deficiency for conducive root growth. Besides acting as signaling molecules and structural components, our study widens the role of lipids as metabolic flux controllers for phytohormone biosynthesis.
PSInet: a new global water potential network
Authors: Restrepo-Acevedo Ana Maria , Guo Jessica S , Kannenberg Steven A , Benson Michael C , Beverly Daniel , Diaz Renata , Anderegg William R L , Johnson Daniel M , Koch George , Konings Alexandra G , Lowman Lauren E L , Martínez-Vilalta Jordi , Poyatos Rafael , Schenk H Jochen , Matheny Ashley M , McCulloh Katherine A , Nippert Jesse B , Oliveira Rafael S , Novick Kimberly
Published: August 2024

Given the pressing challenges posed by climate change, it is crucial to develop a deeper understanding of the impacts of escalating drought and heat stress on terrestrial ecosystems and the vital services they offer. Soil and plant water potential play a pivotal role in governing the dynamics of water within ecosystems and exert direct control over plant function and mortality risk during periods of ecological stress. However, existing observations of water potential suffer from significant limitations, including their sporadic and discontinuous nature, inconsistent representation of relevant spatio-temporal scales and numerous methodological challenges. These limitations hinder the comprehensive and synthetic research needed to enhance our conceptual understanding and predictive models of plant function and survival under limited moisture availability. In this article, we present PSInet (PSI—for the Greek letter Ψ used to denote water potential), a novel collaborative network of researchers and data, designed to bridge the current critical information gap in water potential data. The primary objectives of PSInet are as follows. (i) Establishing the first openly accessible global database for time series of plant and soil water potential measurements, while providing important linkages with other relevant observation networks. (ii) Fostering an inclusive and diverse collaborative environment for all scientists studying water potential in various stages of their careers. (iii) Standardizing methodologies, processing and interpretation of water potential data through the engagement of a global community of scientists, facilitated by the dissemination of standardized protocols, best practices and early career training opportunities. (iv) Facilitating the use of the PSInet database for synthesizing knowledge and addressing prominent gaps in our understanding of plants’ physiological responses to various environmental stressors. The PSInet initiative is integral to meeting the fundamental research challenge of discerning which plant species will thrive and which will be vulnerable in a world undergoing rapid warming and increasing aridification.
Characterization of Siderophores Produced by Bacillus velezensis YL2021 and Its Application in Controlling Rice Sheath Blight and Rice Blast
Authors: Liu Youzhou , Dai Chen , Zuo Yang , Qiao Junqing , Shen Jiahui , Yin Xiaole , Liu Yongfeng
Published: August 2024

Bacillus velezensis YL2021 has extensive antimicrobial activities against phytopathogens, and its genome harbors a catechol-type siderophore biosynthesis gene cluster. Here, we describe the characterization of siderophores produced by strain YL2021 and its antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo. A few types of siderophores were detected by chrome azurol S plates coupled with Arnow's test, purified, and identified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. We found that strain YL2021 can produce different antimicrobial compounds under low-iron M9 medium or iron-sufficient Luria-Bertani medium, although antimicrobial activities can be easily observed on the two media as described above in vitro. Strain YL2021 can produce at least three catechol-type siderophores in low-iron M9 medium, whereas no siderophores were produced in Luria-Bertani medium. Among them, the main antimicrobial siderophore produced by strain YL2021 was bacillibactin, with m/z 882, based on the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, which has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, the oomycete Phytophthora capsici, and phytopathogenic fungi. Moreover, the antifungal activity of siderophores, including bacillibactin, observed in vitro was correlated with control efficacies against rice sheath blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani and rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae in vivo. Collectively, the results demonstrate that siderophores, including bacillibactin, produced by B. velezensis YL2021 are promising biocontrol agents for application in rice disease control.
Seedborne Fungal Detection Differs with Seed Assay Method, and Fungal Diversity and Abundance Are Impacted by Fungicide Treatment, Harvest Timing, and Storage Environment
Authors: Batzer Jean Carlson , Shirazi Amin , Gill Daniel , Platner-Heidt Evelyn , Nicolaus Karl , Bray Alex , Mohan Karthika , Mathew Febina M. , Mueller Daren S.
Published: August 2024

Previous studies have shown that foliar fungicides increase the abundance of Diaporthe spp. in mature soybean seeds, thereby reducing seed quality and potentially increasing seedling, stem, and pod disease in subsequent plantings. To mitigate this, we examined a fungicide containing mefentrifluconazole, fluxapyroxad, and pyraclostrobin applied during the R3 growth stage. We compared the seedborne fungal community from soybeans harvested at full maturity and 2 to 3 weeks later to assess fungal colonization. Six trials were conducted in Iowa and South Dakota in 2021 and 2022. Asymptomatic, recently harvested seed was assayed using either an agar-plate or a seed-blotter test, and the results were compared. The agar-plate method involved disinfesting seeds in sodium hypochlorite and ethanol and then transferring them to acidified water agar plates. Fungal isolates were identified using morphology and DNA sequences. This method detected 562 fungal isolates from 25 species and 14 genera. Dry conditions reduced seed infection, but a 2-week delay in harvest increased the likelihood of Alternaria and Cercospora infection in nontreated controls. The seed-blotter test involved disinfesting seeds, placing them on blotter paper, and incubating them. This assay detected higher numbers of fungal infected seed, with Aspergillus as the dominant genus. Storage conditions significantly impacted fungal presence, with more Aspergillus in seeds stored in a shed than in the cooler. Both assay methods showed that the fungicide treatment reduced the number of seeds infected with Alternaria, Cercospora, and Aspergillus.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in women and its association with level of independent physical activity combined with sedentary behavior
Authors: Carvalho Elaine Silvia , Silva Luís Gustavo Alves , Zullo Sérgio Antônio , Damião Renata
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and its association with the level of physical activity, alone and combined with sedentary behavior.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed. The sample was composed of 317 women aged between 24 and 59 years. Sarcopenic obesity was determined by the coexistence of sarcopenia (reduced muscle mass and strength) and obesity (% fat). Dual-energy x-ray absorption was used to evaluate muscle mass and % fat, with cutoff points of <15 kg and <31.71%, respectively. Strength was assessed by the handgrip test, with a cutoff point of <21.68 kg. Levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Individuals who did not achieve 150 minutes per week of physical activity were considered insufficiently active. The cutoff point for sedentary behavior was determined based on the 75th percentile (480 min/wk), considering excessive sedentary behavior (≥75th percentile) and low/moderate sedentary behavior (<75th percentile).

Results

The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity was 7.9% (95% CI, 4.9-10.8). Sarcopenic obesity was associated with the general physical activity level (odds ratio, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.32-11.8) and being insufficiently active together with low/moderate sedentary behavior (odds ratio, 4.88; 95% CI, 1.49-16.0).

Conclusions

There was the presence of sarcopenic obesity in adult women which was associated with the level of general physical activity, alone and combined with sedentary behavior.
Comparison of MCNP and Microshield Dose Savings Determinations for Remote Methods of Transuranic Contamination Characterization
Authors: Freilich Justina A. M. , Palmer Camille J.
Published: August 2024

The maturation of robotic and remote systems presents opportunities to expand the use of technologies that have typically been restricted to high-dose/high-risk nuclear work for moderate- or low-risk work to further reduce radiation exposure to workers. This study quantifies the potential dose savings achieved through the use of robotic techniques for characterizing transuranic-contaminated waste items and compares dose estimates from a simplistic, user-friendly deterministic radiation transport code and a more robust, complex Monte Carlo code. Three scenarios of transuranic-contaminated waste items described in published reports are modeled using representative source geometries in MicroShield and MCNP radiation transport codes. Estimated dose rates are determined at points ranging from 30 cm to 300 cm from the face of the waste item to represent the increase in distance allowed by robotic or remote system implementation for characterization activities. The dose rate savings are then converted to detriment cost savings using a dollar-per-person-dose conversion factor to provide a financial context. The radiation transport simulations show no consistent bias in estimated dose rate by varying simulation methodology or using geometrical simplifications—in some cases, MicroShield produces higher dose rate estimates while MCNP estimates are higher in other cases. In the MCNP simulations, the volume source geometry consistently produces a higher dose rate than the slab source geometry, but the MicroShield dose rate estimates do not display the same trend. Dose savings range from 1.60 × 10−5 μSv h−1 to 1.75 × 101 μSv h−1 with associated detriment cost savings from < 0.010 USD/person-h to 14 USD/person-h.
A Compendium of Radiation Safety Practices That Can Complement Organizational Worker Well-being Initiatives
Authors: Emery R. J. , Gutierrez J. M. , Zwick M. K.
Published: August 2024

Organizations are learning that efforts to protect the health and safety of their workers from risks both at work and outside of work yield great dividends in the form of increased productivity, morale, and reduced healthcare costs. This realization has given rise to a variety of worker well-being initiatives that span far beyond the typical boundaries of traditional workplace health and safety programs. Examples include providing information and services on diet, exercise, personal habits, and mental health issues. Interestingly, the radiation safety profession has been historically involved with a series of progressive worker well-being practices that perhaps are not fully appreciated by the broader well-being community. These include the ability to comprehensively track occupational doses, training regarding doses arising from outside the workplace (such as medical procedures and environmental exposures), and fetal protection policies, to name a few. Described here is the shift in perspective from health and safety merely for the workplace to a more holistic approach, but the degree to which the actions may be implemented varies. Included then is a compendium of radiation safety practices that may be possibly folded into the discussion of larger organizational well-being efforts.
INFERIOR RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR USING VITRECTOMY WITH OR WITHOUT SCLERAL BUCKLING
Authors: Hébert Mélanie , Garneau Jérôme , Doukkali Sihame , You Eunice , Bourgault Serge , Caissie Mathieu , Tourville Éric , Dirani Ali
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

To compare outcomes in inferior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair using pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or PPV with scleral buckle (PPV-SB).

Methods:

Patients who underwent surgery for inferior RRD at a tertiary care center between 2014 and 2018 were included. Inferior RRD was defined as RD with tears between 4:00 and 8:00 clock hours in a detached retina. Non-RRD etiologies (e.g., traumatic, tractional), proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade ≥C2, and silicone oil use were excluded. Single-surgery anatomic success was defined as the absence of reoperation for recurrent RRD during follow-up.

Results:

There were 366 patients included of which 260 (71%) were operated using PPV-SB. Single-surgery anatomic success was achieved in 96 (91%) of patients with pars plana vitrectomy and 227 (87%) of patients with PPV-SB (P = 0.38) over a median follow-up of 15 months. At the final follow-up, pinhole visual acuity was 0.18 (0.10–0.30) among patients with pars plana vitrectomy and 0.18 (0.10–0.40) among patients with PPV-SB (Snellen equivalent: 20/30; P = 0.03). After adjusting for demographic (i.e., age and sex) and preoperative characteristics (i.e., macula on status, baseline pinhole visual acuity, and grade C1 proliferative vitreoretinopathy), PPV-SB did not alter single-surgery anatomic success (P = 0.210).

Conclusion:

Following inferior RRD repair, there were no significant differences in single-surgery anatomic success between patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy and PPV-SB in this large, retrospective cohort.
Clinical Efficacy of MiSight 1 day Soft Contact Lenses in Korean Myopic Children
Authors: Kim Hui Kyung , Jo Myung Ho , Jo Yeon Ji , Park Young Kee , Lee Jong Soo
Published: August 2024

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses (MiSight CL) in Korean children with mild-to-moderate myopia. In addition, the study compared the effects of MiSight CL in children who had or had not previously used orthokeratology contact lenses (Ortho-K).

Methods:

A total of 66 children aged 5 to 16 years, who were prescribed MiSight CL, were included in the study. Based on a myopia degree of −4 diopters (D), children were divided into mild and severe myopia groups to compare the effectiveness of myopia suppression. In addition, 55 eyes previously using Ortho-K were compared with 76 eyes using MiSight CL for the first time.

Results:

The average follow-up period was 6.58±3.74 months. The average refractive value before using MiSight CL was 3.64±1.56 D, and there was no significant change in the final visit. Comparing myopia suppression between different degrees of myopia and previous use of Ortho-K lenses, there was no significant change in refractive error before and after using MiSight CL (unpaired t test, P>0.05). The main reason for Ortho-K failure was low visual acuity after correction. Regardless of Ortho-K history, children showed good visual acuity after wearing MiSight CL, and no other side effects were observed.

Conclusions:

MiSight CL effectively inhibited the progression of myopia in Korean children with mild-to-moderate myopia. MiSight CL offer the advantage of easy application, making them a viable alternative when Ortho-K are not suitable.
Education, gender, and frequent pain among middle-aged and older adults in the United States, England, China, and India
Authors: Li Chihua , Liu Chunyu , Ye Chenfei , Lian Zi , Lu Peiyi
Published: August 2024

Using cross-sectional data from the United States, England, China, and India, we examined the relationship between education and frequent pain, alongside the modification role of gender in this relationship. We further examined patterns of 3 pain dimensions among participants who reported frequent pain, including pain severity, interference with daily activities, and medication use (these pain dimension questions were not administered in all countries). Our analytical sample included 92,204 participants aged 50 years and above. We found a high prevalence of frequent pain across the 4 countries ranging from 28% to 41%. Probit models showed that higher education was associated with lower risk of pain (United States: −0.26, 95% CI: −0.33, −0.19; England: −0.32, 95% CI: −0.39, −0.25; China: −0.33, 95% CI −0.41, −0.26; India: −0.18, 95% CI −0.21, −0.15). Notably, in China and India, the negative association between higher education and frequent pain was less pronounced among women compared with men, which was not observed in the United States or England. Further analysis showed that individuals with higher education experiencing frequent pain reported less severity, fewer daily activity interferences, and less medication use compared with those with lower education. In the United States, these associations were stronger among women. Our findings highlight the prevalent pain among middle-aged and older adults in these 4 countries and emphasize the potentially protective role of higher education on frequent pain, with nuanced gender differences across different settings. This underscores the need for tailored strategies considering educational and gender differences to improve pain management and awareness.
Laparoscopic hepatectomy versus microwave ablation for multifocal 3–5 cm hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi-centre, real-world study
Authors: Wang Zhen , Pang Chuan , Meng Qiong , Zhang De-zhi , Hong Zhi-xian , He Guang-bin , Yang Hong , Xiang Bang-de , Li Xiao , Jiang Tian-an , Li Kai , Tang Zhe , Huang Fei , Lu Man , Yu Xiao-ling , Cheng Zhi-gang , Liu Fang-yi , Han Zhi-yu , Dou Jian-ping , Wu Song-song , Yu Jie , Liang Ping
Published: August 2024

Background:

Researches comparing laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) with microwave ablation (MWA) for 3–5 cm multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (MFHCC) are rare.

Materials and methods:

From 2008 to 2019, 666 intrahepatic tumours in 289 patients from 12 tertiary medical centres in China were included in this retrospective study. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance variables between the two treatment groups over time frames 2008–2019 and 2013–2019 to observe the potential impact of advancements in intervention techniques on overall survival (OS), disease-free progression (DFS) of patients. complications, hospitalization, and cost were compared.

Results:

Among 289 patients, the median age was 59 years [interquartile range (IQR) 52–66]. 2008–2019, after PSM, the median OS was 97.4 months in the LLR group and 75.2 months (95% CI 47.8–102.6) in the MWA group during a follow-up period of 39.0 months. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS rates in the two groups were 91.8%, 72.6%, 60.7% and 96.5%, 72.8%, 62.5% [hazard ratio (HR) 1.03, 95% CI 0.62–1.69, P =0.920]; The corresponding DFS rates were 75.9%, 57.2%, 46.9%, and 53.1%, 17.5%, 6.2% (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.23–0.54, P <0.001). 2013–2019, the median OS time was not reached in either group during the 34.0 months of follow-up, the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS rates in the two groups were 90.2%, 67.6%, 56.7% and 96.5%, 76.7%, 69.7% (HR 1.54, 95% CI 0.79–3.01, P =0.210); The corresponding DFS rates were 69.6%, 53.9%, 43.3%, and 70.4%, 32.1%, 16.5% (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.41–1.11, P =0.120). The incidence of major complications was similar in both groups (all P> 0.05). MWA had shorter intervention times, hospitalization, and lower costs.

Conclusions:

For resectable MFHCC patients, LLR is preferable due to its lower recurrence rate. For patients who do not qualify for LLR, advances in ablation technology have promoted MWA as a promising alternative.
Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention versus medical therapy for symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation: a meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data
Authors: Fu Guangguo , Zhu Jianfu , Song Wenyu , Bagaber Ghufran , Wang Chunsheng , Chen Jinmiao , Wei Lai
Published: August 2024

Background:

Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI) has demonstrated safety and efficacy in treating high-risk patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The authors aimed to perform a meta-analysis based on reconstructed time-to-event data to compare the clinical benefit of TTVI with medical therapy (MED).

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted in major databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, until 20 October 2023. All studies comparing the outcomes between TTVI and MED were included. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes included heart failure (HF) hospitalization and the composite outcome of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization.

Results:

Five studies covering 3826 patients (1146 received TTVI and 2680 received MED) were identified. At 1-year follow-up, TTVI significantly reduced the risk of all-cause mortality compared with MED [hazard ratio (HR) 0.54, 95% CI: 0.39–0.74, P=0.0001]. There was a trend in favor of TTVI in HF hospitalization, although without significant difference (HR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.42–1.18, P=0.18). TTVI was also associated with a decreased risk of composite outcome (HR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38–0.86, P=0.007). Reconstructed Kaplan–Meier curves illustrated a 1-year overall survival rate of 83.1% in the TTVI group and 68.8% in the MED group. The subgroup analysis of device types yielded consistent results.

Conclusions:

Compared with MED, TTVI was associated with greater 1-year benefits for patients with symptomatic moderate or greater TR from the aspects of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization.
Aortic Root Vortex Formation During Left Ventricular Assist Device Support
Authors: Pangelina Chaztyn , Vu Vi , May-Newman Karen
Published: August 2024

The vortex that forms in the aortic sinus plays a vital role in optimizing blood flow. Disruption of the vortex can result in flow stagnation and activate thrombus formation in the aortic root, especially when aortic valve flow is reduced as during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Our goal in this study was to visualize vortex formation in an experimental model of the aortic root as flow is progressively reduced. A mock circulatory loop that reproduces heart failure hemodynamics was combined with a HeartMate II LVAD and velocity measured in a transparent aortic root with a bioprosthetic valve. The aortic valve sinus vortices are clearly visible as counter-rotating structures in the velocity field at baseline and for all conditions with flow through the aortic valve. As LVAD speed increases, the central jet narrows but the vortices persist, disappearing only when the valve is completely closed. The vortices preserve fluid momentum and generate shear stress along the tissue surfaces which disrupts flow stasis. These features underscore the importance of maintaining “intermittent” aortic valve opening, as recommended for LVAD patients. This study is the first to report vortex formation in the aortic root during LVAD support, providing a motivation for further evaluation.