bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Diversity and Population Dynamics of Clinostomum spp. Using Comprehensive Bioinformatics Approaches
Authors: Islam Sk Injamamul , Hamad Mohamed H. , Jitsamai Wanarit , Rodkhum Channarong , Taweethavonsawat Piyanan
Published: November 2024

Clinostomum species, a parasitic pathogen of freshwater fish, is widely distributed and infects various host species. Recently, the pathological effect due to Clinostomum metacercarial infection was described in aquaculture in Thailand; however, the global genetic diversity and population structure of this species have not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a detailed description of genetic diversity and population dynamics of the digenean Clinostomum isolated from Trichopodus pectoralis with globally recorded Clinostomum species. The species was characterized molecularly by analyzing 18S rDNA and inter‐transcribed spacer biomarker genes (ITS1 and ITS2). A BLAST search discovered that the 18S rDNA and ITS sequence had a 100% sequence similarity with Clinostomum piscidium isolated from India and Thailand. A comprehensive analysis revealed the presence of 12 distinct haplotypes among the Clinostomum populations. This study suggests that distinct patterns of genetic variation were identified by analyzing molecular variance, pairwise Fst, and employing structure analysis. It was observed that a gradient of genetic variation exists within continents, characterized by higher levels within different groups and lower levels of genetic differentiation. Additionally, a notable presence of mixed haplotypes was observed. The results of neutrality testing suggest that there has been a significant expansion in the populations of Clinostomum in India, America, and Kenya. The discoveries from this study will provide a valuable contribution to comprehending the genetics and evolution of Clinostomum species. Furthermore, key findings will be essential in developing efficient management approaches to prevent and control this parasite.
Setdb1 Loss Induces Type I Interferons and Immune Clearance of Melanoma
Authors: McGeary Meaghan K. , Damsky William , Daniels Andrew J. , Lang Sabine M. , Xu Qingji , Song Eric , Huet-Calderwood Clotilde , Lou Hua Jane , Paradkar Sateja , Micevic Goran , Kaech Susan M. , Calderwood David A. , Turk Benjamin E. , Yan Qin , Iwasaki Akiko , Bosenberg Marcus W.
Published: November 2024

Despite recent advances in the treatment of melanoma, many patients with metastatic disease still succumb to their disease. To identify tumor-intrinsic modulators of immunity to melanoma, we performed a whole-genome CRISPR screen in melanoma and identified Setdb1 as well as all components of the human silencing hub complex. We found that loss of Setdb1 leads to increased immunogenicity and complete tumor clearance in a CD8+ T cell–dependent manner. Mechanistically, loss of Setdb1 causes de-repression of endogenous retroviruses (ERV) in melanoma cells and triggers tumor cell–intrinsic type I IFN signaling, upregulation of MHC-I expression, and increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration. Importantly, spontaneous immune clearance observed in Setdb1−/− tumors results in subsequent protection from other ERV-expressing tumor lines, supporting the functional antitumor role of ERV-specific CD8+ T cells found in the Setdb1−/− microenvironment. Blocking the type I IFN receptor in mice grafted with Setdb1−/− tumors decreases immunogenicity by decreasing MHC-I expression, leading to decreased T-cell infiltration and increased melanoma growth, comparable with Setdb1wt tumors. Together, these results provide key in vivo evidence of a critical role for Setdb1 and type I IFNs in generating an inflamed tumor microenvironment and potentiating tumor cell–intrinsic immunogenicity in melanoma. This study further emphasizes regulators of ERV expression and type I IFN expression as potential therapeutic targets for augmenting anticancer immune responses.
Beyond HRD Status: Unraveling Genetic Variants Impacting PARP Inhibitor Sensitivity in Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kjeldsen Maj K. , Jørgensen Morten , Grønseth Dina Sofie B. , Schønemann-Lund Martin , Nyvang Gitte-Bettina , Haslund Charlotte Aaquist , Knudsen Anja Oer , Motavaf Anne Krejbjerg , Malander Susanne , Anttila Maarit , Lindahl Gabriel , Mäenpää Johanna , Dimoula Maria , Werner Theresa L. , Iversen Trine Zeeberg , Hietanen Sakari , Fokdal Lars , Dahlstrand Hanna , Bjørge Line , Birrer Michael J. , Mirza Mansoor R. , Rossing Maria
Published: November 2024

The management of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AOC) has undergone significant advancements with the emergence of molecular diagnostics, particularly in predicting responses to PARP inhibitors (PARPi) based on homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) status. However, understanding sensitivity and resistance beyond HRD status remains elusive. This study aims to explore molecular factors that may elucidate why HRD status does not consistently predict PARPi sensitivity. Therefore, we conducted a post hoc translational analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from the ENGOT-ov24/NSGO-AVANOVA part 1 and 2 trial (NCT02354131), focusing on alterations pertaining radiologic response and progression-free survival (PFS). DNA sequencing was performed using the TruSight Oncology 500 HT gene panel, with variants classified according to recent guidelines. HRD status had been assessed by Myriad MyChoice CDx. We identified, among 92 patients in the ENGOT-ov24/NSGO-AVANOVA part 1 and 2 trial, 151 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants across 81 samples. PARPi-sensitizing variants were found in two out of 10 HRD-negative samples from patients with clinical benefit (PFS ≥12 months), whereas three out of 10 HRD-positive samples from patients having no benefit (PFS ≤6 months) harbored variants associated with PARPi resistance. Additionally, analysis of BRCA1 variants revealed that truncating variants in exon 11 correlated with clinical benefit when niraparib was combined with bevacizumab. Conclusively, our findings highlight the complexity of PARPi response in AOC and underscore the importance of exploring somatic variants beyond HRD status. Further investigation into exon 11 variants of BRCA1 and the potential of combination treatment is warranted.

Significance:

The irregular response to PARPi in HRD-positive and -negative tumors highlights the need for identifying additional biomarkers. This study explores the mutational landscape beyond HRD status in AOC, ultimately advancing precision oncology in future clinical practice.
Early Jewish Perspectives on Travel(ling) Texts and Transformation
Authors: Uusimäki Elisa , Høgenhaven Jesper
Published: November 2024

This introductory article explores the rise of travel as an area of research within the field of biblical studies. It first discusses some major trends in the study of travel in the ancient Jewish tradition, including travel as a literary motif in biblical narrative and the evidence for travel in the context of early Judaism. While the significance of travel as a topic of research has been established in biblical studies, more work remains to be done regarding various aspects of the topic, including non-human travellers and the experience and effects of travel. Travel is not just about geographical relocations, as the selected focus on travel and transformation also seeks to emphasize. Drawing on related discussions in literary studies, the article then discusses travel as a practice that requires transitions which take people into liminal spaces and lead to potentially transformative outcomes. Finally, it explains how the articles included in the thematic issue add to this conversation from different yet complementary angles. They primarily focus on travel as a literary motif in various early Jewish corpora but also consider later and contemporary travel of ancient fragments, highlighting how travel may shape and change those on the move in different ways.
Peurbach’s Precursors
Authors: Nothaft C. Philipp E.
Published: November 2024

The idea of reconciling Ptolemaic planetary theory with Aristotelian natural philosophy by imagining epicycles and eccentric deferents as three-dimensional orbs or orb-segments within larger spheres is frequently associated with Georg Peurbach and his widely read astronomy textbook, the Theoricae novae planetarum (1454). This article cautions against existing tendencies to overstate the originality or revolutionary force of this work by taking a closer look at the early history of the same Ptolemaic-Aristotelian compromise in a Latin European context. Using previously unpublished or unused source material from the twelfth to early fourteenth centuries, it documents the gradual spread and acceptance of an orbicular interpretation of Ptolemy’s planetary models among astronomers and university teachers.
Morphological and biological characters of the entomophilic stage of Schistonchus pumilae (Aphelenchoididae) with an update of its molecular profiles
Authors: Tanaka Ryusei , Kanzaki Natsumi , Giblin-Davis Robin M.
Published: November 2024

Schistonchus pumilae was first reported from the syconi of a creeper fig, Ficus pumila, from Miyazaki, Japan, and the species was described based on propagative (plant-parasitic) females and males. Thus, the premature female (entomophilic form) of the species was not described. In the present study, male syconi of F. pumila were collected from the type locality of the nematode (Miyazaki, Japan), and the premature females of S. pumilae were collected from inside the syconi and also from the emerging pollinator fig wasps (Wiebesia pumilae). Although only 26 female wasps were recovered for dissections, seven of them harboured 1-7 nematodes each. Nematodes associated with the wasp were all premature females, and their typological and morphometric characters were similar with those isolated from inside the syconi. In addition, the premature females were slightly smaller than propagative females and had a less developed gonad, suggesting that the nematode is a phoretic associate, not a parasite. Regardless of its phylogenetic status, the carrier insect usage of S. pumilae is somewhat similar to two Ficophagus species, and clearly different from S. caprifici, which propagates in the host wasp haemocoel as a parasite. Additionally, the molecular profiles of S. pumilae (SSU and D1-D3 LSU of ribosomal RNA genes) were re-sequenced using a cloning technique, and the information was updated for phylogenetic analysis in the future.
Damage thresholds and population dynamics of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, on selected chickpea cultivars from Ethiopia
Authors: Kefelegn Habtamu , Meressa Beira Hailu , Wesemael Wim M.L. , Bert Wim , Teklu Misghina G.
Published: November 2024

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, is one of the most damaging plant-parasitic nematodes, affecting chickpea and causing substantial yield losses worldwide. The damage potential and population dynamics of this nematode in chickpea in Ethiopia have yet to be investigated. In this study, six chickpea cultivars were tested using 12 ranges of initial population densities (Pi) of M. javanica second-stage juveniles (J2): 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 J2 (g dry soil)−1 in a controlled glasshouse pot experiment. The Seinhorst yield loss and population dynamics models were fitted to describe population development and the effect on different measured growth variables. The tolerance limit (TTFW) for total fresh weight ranged from 0.05 to 1.22 J2 (g dry soil)−1, with corresponding yield losses ranging from 31 to 64%. The minimum yield for seed weight (mSW) ranged from 0.29 to 0.61, with estimated yield losses of 71 and 39%. The ‘Haberu’ and ‘Geletu’ cultivars were considered good hosts, with maximum population densities (M) of 16.27 and 5.64 J2 (g dry soil)−1 and maximum multiplication rate (a) values of 6.25 and 9.23, respectively. All other cultivars are moderate hosts for M. javanica; therefore, it is crucial to initiate chickpea-breeding strategies to manage the tropical root-knot nematode M. javanica in Ethiopia.
Artistic Bilingualism in the Greek Poleis of the Northern Black Sea: a Note on the Olbian Kouros in the State Hermitage Museum
Authors: Figura Federico
Published: November 2024

The contact between Greek artistic tradition and that of the local populations in the Northern Black Sea area has traditionally been addressed in oppositional and hierarchical terms, often employing categories determined by ethnic criteria. This trend is not only limited to this specific area, but is a phenomenon that concerns the so-called “frontiers” of the Greek world, such as Magna Graecia and Sicily. By adopting a non-hierarchical perspective, the well-known kouros from the gymnasium of Olbia is here reconsidered as case-study. This object has always puzzled scholars, often leading to rather bizarre interpretations. By contextualizing it in the local panorama and comparing it, in particular, with the kurgan stelae, the hybrid status of this artefact is highlighted, both from a formal, technical, and iconographic point of view. Since this conclusion suits better the archaeological evidence of Archaic Olbia, this analysis ultimately prompts a reconsideration of the materials from the Northern Black Sea poleis according to more flexible paradigms, enabling the dialectical exchange between various languages developing within the same “artistic space”.
Hillforts and Cyclopean Structures of Western Azerbaijan: a Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Castelluccia Manuel , Ashurov Safar
Published: November 2024

The mountain area bordering Mesopotamia witnessed remarkable transformations to the human and cultural landscape starting from the end of the 2nd millennium. Stone hilltop structures began to spread and became the most distinct settlement form. Moreover, there was a dramatic increase in metalworking and weapons production, showing how the local social structure shifted towards militarization of society.

These heavily fortified settlements have usually been labeled as “cyclopean fortresses” due to their similarity to European defensive structures. However, being built with large stones on strategic hilltops, they played different political and economic roles, and some were likely the seat of important local political entities.

Fortresses from the southern Caucasus have attracted the attention of several distinguished scholars and studies, especially structures in present-day Armenia and northern Iran.

This paper aims to present the evidence currently available regarding cyclopean structures in Western Azerbaijan, combining both remote sensing and soviet-era publications. A remarkable culture flourished during the Late Bronze–Early Iron Age in this area, generally known as “Hochdali-Kedabeg”.
« Ce qui seul mérite le nom de style » : Adorno, Beethoven et les bassons de la Cinquième Symphonie
Authors: Kaddour Fériel
Published: November 2024

À la fin de la Cinquième Symphonie de Beethoven, on entend un timbre étrange : un solo de bassons, fortissimo, dans le registre aigu, un effet si incongru qu’on croirait à une faute d’orchestration. Adorno voit là au contraire « ce qui seul mérite le nom de style ». C’est que ce défaut du timbre est révélateur d’un défaut de la dialectique formelle, point crucial qu’Adorno scrute tout au long de son essai sur Beethoven. Il s’agit donc de redéployer cette lecture immanente de la partition, et de replacer le motif « raté » des bassons à l’endroit problématique de la forme beethovénienne (sa réexposition). Il s’agit aussi de retracer comment ce fragment participe d’une réflexion plus ample, de la Dialectique de la raison jusqu’à la Théorie esthétique. Ce double mouvement, musical et théorique, permet de mettre au jour l’originalité d’une théorie critique du style : le style non plus perçu comme un travail sur la langue, mais comme un correctif objectif de la langue sur les formes.
A Jewish Refutation of Samawʾal al-Maghribī’s Ifḥām al-Yahūd
Authors: Adang Camilla , Schmidtke Sabine
Published: November 2024

This article offers a contribution to the study of polemics between Muslims and Jews in the Middle Ages. It presents an annotated translation of the extant fragments of a reply by an unknown Jew to the polemical tract Ifḥām al-Yahūd in which the mathematician Samawʾal al-Maghribī (d. 570/1175), who converted to Islam in 558/1163, virulently attacks his former religion. Samawʾal’s tract had a significant impact both on later Muslim polemicists and on Jewish thinkers, who defended their religion against his strictures. The unique manuscript of the anonymous refutation, written in Judaeo-Arabic, is part of the Firkovitch collection kept at the National Library of Russia in St. Petersburg. It is included in a codex that also contains an incomplete version, in the same hand, of Samawʾal al-Maghribī’s tract. While the codex can be tentatively dated to the fourteenth century and was presumably written in Egypt, we cannot know with any degree of certainty when and where the refutation itself was composed, nor whether the unknown author had access to a complete copy of Samawʾal’s work. Although at times the author quotes Ifḥām al-Yahūd verbatim, paraphrases and indirect references to Samawʾal’s arguments are more common. In order to contextualize the unknown author’s counterarguments, we provide a running commentary, including quotations of the passages from Ifḥām al-Yahūd that are being refuted.
The Meaning of the Milk Tea Protests
Authors: Matijasevich David
Published: November 2024

Since the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, the world has witnessed an era of protest. Nearly every corner of the globe has been impacted by protest diffusion. East and Southeast Asia have been no different, with recent pro-democracy revolts and movements in Thailand (2020) and Myanmar (2021–present) having been partially inspired by mass pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong (2014 and 2019) and Taiwan (2014). The virtual alliance that sprouted between protesters and activists across these polities was dubbed the Milk Tea Alliance. This article takes a comparative approach and explores the commonalities of the protests and their participants across the four locales. It argues that the shared political experiences and developments run much deeper than the hashtag alliance and therefore should be understood as part of a transformative regional protest wave that requires further exploration.
Party System Congruence and Bicameralism
Authors: Kim Wooseok , Hicken Allen , Kollman Ken
Published: November 2024

We compare the nature of party systems across bicameral legislatures using newly available data on upper chamber elections. We examine the similarity in the composition of political parties between the lower and upper chambers (partisan congruence) and introduce a novel measure that captures differences in the nationalization of parties between the two chambers (nationalization congruence). We explore variations in these measures across countries and over time and demonstrate that the power of the upper chamber (symmetry) is linked to both forms of congruence. Moreover, we apply these measures to understand how the interaction between congruence and symmetry—two key dimensions of bicameralism—influences policymaking, focusing on government spending patterns. Our findings reveal that partisan and nationalization congruence can have contrasting implications for government spending in symmetric bicameral systems but have negligible implications in asymmetric bicameral systems.
Building a Grammatical Network: Form and Function in the Development of Hebrew Prepositions
Authors: Salmon Elisheva , Ravid Dorit , Dattner Elitzur
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the emergence of prepositions in Hebrew-speaking children aged 2;6–6;0 years, analyzing a peer talk corpus of 75 children across five age groups. Across 45-minute triadic conversations, we examined the distributions, semantic functions, and form-function relations of prepositions. Two results sections are presented. First, using network analysis, we modeled the development of form-function correlations of Hebrew prepositions. Second, we conducted qualitative developmental analyses of the distributions and semantics of all prepositions identified in the study. Our findings reveal that prepositions expressed 22 functions, predominantly grammatical, spatial, and temporal. With age, the use of prepositions increased, abstract functions became more prevalent, and functions were served by a broader range of prepositions. The data suggest the emergence of systematic relations, forming network-based clusters or communities of semantically related functions. This systematic growth of the prepositional category signifies not just lexical but also syntactic development in Hebrew, transitioning from lexicalized preposition-marked verb arguments to diverse, abstract preposition-marked syntactic adjuncts, which enrich clause-level complexity.
Comparison of Perceived Fatherhood and Self-Efficacy Across Generations and Gender
Authors: ÇALIŞKAN SARI Arzu , ERGÜL TOPÇU Aysun
Published: November 2024

A quality father-child relationship is important for the child’s social and emotional development, which may affect one’s self-efficacy in the future. Research showed that fatherhood attitudes change over time. In the current study, individuals in generations X, Y and Z evaluated their relationships with their fathers retrospectively and their own general self-efficacy and it was examined whether participants’ perceived fatherhood attitudes and general self-efficacy levels varied according to their gender and generation they were in. The study data were obtained through survey from 516 participants aged 18-58 living in Türkiye. Participants between the ages of 18–23 were considered as generation Z, 24-43 as generation Y and 44-58 as generation X. The data was collected between April 2023 and May 2023 through scales in an online survey platform. According to the results of MANOVA analyses, perceived fathers’ negative emotional approach and father communication attitude differed between generations. Accordingly, perceived fathers’ negative emotional approach of generation Z was significantly higher than the score of generation X. On the other hand, the perceived father’s communication attitude score of generation Z was significantly lower than the scores of generation X and generation Y. In addition, perceived fatherhood sub-dimensions did not differ by gender. As for self-efficacy, some dimensions of self-efficacy perceptions of generation Z were also found to be lower than generations X and Y. Resistance dimension of self-efficacy was also found to differ by gender. Accordingly, men’s resistance scores were significantly higher than women’s scores. The results of the study were discussed by considering the general characteristics of the generations and evaluating gender roles. In addition, the possible limitations of the participants' retrospective assessment of their relationship with their fathers were discussed.
Evaluation of aging impact on rheological and chemical characteristics of crumb rubber-modified warm asphalt binders
Authors: Sukkari Alaa , Al-Khateeb Ghazi , Zeiada Waleed , Ezzat Helal
Published: November 2024

Asphalt pavements are consistently subjected to environmental and loading conditions that affect their durability, such as oxidative aging. Modification of the pavements assists in reducing the aging-induced stiffness. One of these solutions is crumb rubber (CR)-modified warm mix asphalt (WMA) binders. This study aims to assess the long-term performance and effects of aging on CR-modified WMA binders through a series of physical, rheological, and chemical tests. 2% and 4% of Sasobit, a wax-based additive, and 1.5% and 3% of Zycotherm, a nano-based chemical additive, with 10%, 15%, and 20% CR, were utilized. The binders were aged using a rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and pressurized aging vessel. The unaged and long-term aged asphalt binders were tested. Rheological properties, using master curves and zero shear viscosity, physical properties measured through elastic recovery, along with chemical analysis using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, were carried out on the binders before and after aging. Based on the physical and rheological aging indices, Sasobit-modified asphalt binders exhibited superior resistance to aging and rutting compared to Zycotherm-modified binders. Specifically, the Sasobit 4% and 20% crumb rubber blend showed the highest resistance to physical aging, while Zycotherm-modified binders demonstrated improved chemical aging resistance. Adding crumb rubber significantly enhanced the stiffness and elasticity of the asphalt binders, further reducing the effects of aging. FTIR analysis confirmed that Sasobit and crumb rubber reduced oxidation and volatile component loss during aging.
From the family pluriverse to the small worlds of community life in Costa Rica: Towards a policy for the management of belief?
Authors: Fuentes Belgrave Laura
Published: November 2024

This article examines the results of two qualitative research studies undertaken in Costa Rica on transformations linked to the experience of belief and gender in family and community environments featuring religious diversity. Actions and discourses are identified as forms of belief management that are tributary to non-hegemonic values, which are transferable from the private to the public sphere. In making a critical reading of the local context, the analysis is inscribed in the decolonial turn in Latin America (Quijano, 1992; Castro Gómez and Grosfoguel, 2007; Fornet-Betancourt, 2009; Walsh, 2010; Escobar, 2012). The construction of social agency is seen to arise from the colonial wound and the questioning of family and community universality in interreligious coexistence. The conceptual approach taken up is presented, discussion is made of the characteristics of interreligious coexistence in mixed families and of the particularities of the minority religious groups studied, and analysis is made in the conclusions of the decolonizing transformations of their narratives.
Niche Construction and the Politics of Language
Authors: Rouse Joseph
Published: November 2024

Two recent practice-based conceptions of linguistic communication challenge the dominant “content-delivery” models. Beaver and Stanley’s The Politics of Language (2023) and Rouse’s Social Practices as Biological Niche Construction (2023) have different aims. Beaver and Stanley develop an account of linguistic meaning as affective and politically engaged. Rouse starts from evolutionary accounts of human ways of life to situate language within a more general, naturalistic account of social practices as forms of biological niche construction. Despite their different orientations, the two books can work together as a more compelling challenge to standard accounts of linguistic meaning and communication.
Depressive symptoms and its relation to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among United States adults with different diabetic status
Authors: Xu Hua-Zhao , Meng Xiang-Da , Liu Qian , Xiong Yu-Jun
Published: November 2024

Objective

The relationship between diabetes, depressive symptoms, and mortality is well established. However, the effect of depressive symptoms on prediabetes and its relationship with mortality remains unclear. This study seeks to investigate the effects of depressive symptoms on mortality across different diabetic statuses.

Methods

The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018, with a final sample size of 36,246 participants. Mortality status and cause of death were determined by cross-referencing records with the publicly accessible National Death Index through 2019. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis were utilized to assess the relationship between depressive symptoms and mortality across different diabetic statuses from nondiabetic to prediabetic to diabetic.

Results

In the non-diabetic group, no effect of depression severity on all-cause mortality or cardiovascular mortality was found in the final models. In the prediabetic group, however, the hazard ratios were increased for both mild depressive symptoms (HR = 1.349, 95% CI = 1.138-1.600) and moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (HR = 1.651, 95% CI = 1.309-2.082). In the diabetic group, surprisingly, the risk was somewhat lower than in the pre-diabetic group (HR = 1.279, 95% CI = 1.084-1.509 for mild and HR = 1.285, 95% CI = 1.056-1.563 for moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms). Similar risk patterns were noted for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, where risk of moderate-severe symptoms was even greater in the prediabetic group (HR = 1.834, 95% CI = 1.180-2.851).

Conclusion

In this prospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, a positive association was found between depressive symptoms and mortality across different diabetic statuses. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating depressive symptoms across the glycemic spectrum, especially among individuals with prediabetes.
Recurrent Bell’s Palsy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Associated Factors and Outcomes
Authors: Alqahtani Shatha Y. , Almalki Zohour A. , Alnafie Johara A. , Alnemari Farah S. , AlGhamdi Teif M. , AlGhamdi Dana A. , Albogami Laila O. , Ibrahim Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Background: Bell’s palsy is a common peripheral facial nerve disorder that manifests as sudden unilateral facial paralysis. The condition, believed to be caused by viral infections and ischemic processes, affects a significant portion of the population and is associated with various systemic comorbidities. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis in primary and recurrent Bell’s palsy to identify factors associated with recurrence and outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with Bell’s palsy at tertiary hospital between 2018 and 2024. Data collected included demographic information, comorbid conditions, clinical features, and recovery outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the significance of various factors in the recurrence of Bell’s palsy. Results: The study included 254 patients. Recurrence was observed in 20.9% of cases. Significant risk factors for recurrence included diabetes (33.3%), hypertension (41.0%), hypothyroidism (56.1%), autoimmune disorders (54.2%), and a family history of Bell’s palsy (48.6%). The severity of initial paralysis also influenced recurrence rates. Complete recovery from the initial episode was achieved by 66.9% of patients, whereas prolonged recovery times were noted in recurrent cases. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant role of systemic comorbidities and the severity of initial presentation in the recurrence of Bell’s palsy.
Grammatical Redundancy in Scales: Using the “ConGRe” Process to Create Better Measures
Authors: Alley Leah , Kadolkar Imran , Gupta Alisha , Cortina Jose M. , Winsler Kurt P.
Published: November 2024

As theoretical models become more complex, there is more pressure to use less time-consuming methods generally, and shorter scales specifically. Although reliability is related to scale length, reliability cutoffs are easily met, even in very short scales, by writing or selecting items that are worded in nearly identical ways, that is, grammatical redundancy. However, grammatical redundancy increases reliability at the cost of domain sampling—a crucial early step in scale construction and one of the two pillars of content validity. Without it, a scale cannot capture the intended construct. The purpose of this paper is to provide scale developers (and shorteners) with a process for quantifying, identifying, and reducing grammatical redundancy without compromising conceptual redundancy, a process that we label ConGRe. Our process involves indices from the linguistics literature that can be used to guide decisions during item writing, that is, prior to data collection. We examine their relation to more traditional psychometric indicators and provide a set of benchmarks. Overall, we demonstrate that it is possible to reduce grammatical redundancy, thus avoiding scale deficiency, without sacrificing traditional psychometric properties.
Session 4: mRNA and Self-Amplifying RNA (saRNA): Opportunities for Disease Prevention and Therapy
Authors: Sellers Rani S. , Ramaiah Lila , Hong Sue-Jean , Nambiar Prashant , Jacquinet Eric , Naidu Shan
Published: November 2024

The unprecedented speed of developing vaccines against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has propelled mRNA technologies into the public eye. The versatility of mRNA technology, often referred to as “plug and play,” offers immense promise for rapidly updating vaccines to address newer variants of respiratory diseases and combat emerging infectious diseases and lethal pathogens, such as the Ebolavirus. However, the potential applications of mRNA technology extend well beyond prophylactic vaccines. This session explored the two primary mRNA platforms: nonreplicating mRNA and self-amplifying mRNA (variably referred to as saRNA, samRNA, or SAM). Presentation topics were on current research efforts aimed at broadening the applications of mRNA modalities beyond vaccines. Topics included opportunities for delivering mRNA via intra-tumoral and inhalational routes, immunological and systemic inflammatory responses elicited by these modalities, and regulatory considerations involved in the development and licensing of these technologies.
Common Factors in the Profitability of Energy Firms
Authors: Joaqui-Barandica Orlando , Manotas-Duque Diego F. , Uribe Jorge M.
Published: November 2024

The extent to which external factors explain profitability in the energy sector and their commonalities is largely unknown from the previous literature. We identify three latent factors underlying the profitability of 1,347 global energy firms, from 2000 Q1 to 2021 Q2. We rely on a novel Dynamic Factor Model estimated by Functional Principal Components. Profitability factors are strongly associated with global financial and macroeconomic factors, including energy commodity prices, interest rates, exchange rates, economic activity and financial uncertainty. We compare our empirical results for various energy subsectors and show that profitability of oil and gas companies is highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and fuel prices, while renewable energy and uranium firms are more sensitive to exchange rates. We also provide a ranking of firms based on their association with the common factors of profitability, which can be used to monitor the resilience of the energy sector.

JEL Classification: Q43, O16, G32
Does Low-carbon Pilot Policy Exacerbate Wage Distortions in an Imperfect Labor Market? Theory and Evidence From China
Authors: Shao Shuai , Yang Zhenbing , Yang Lili
Published: November 2024

Whether the introduction of low-carbon policies has an unexpected deterioration effect on preexisting wage distortions in an imperfect labor market is paid little attention to. In this paper, based on the data from China’s 285 cities during 2005 to 2016, a heterogeneous stochastic frontier analysis model is used to measure the wage distortions. Further, a difference-in-differences (DID) strategy is employed to investigate the net effect of the low-carbon pilot policy (LCPP), introduced in 2010, on wage distortions. Moreover, the influence mechanism, regional heterogeneity, and ownership heterogeneity are also discussed. We find that the LCPP exacerbates the degree of wage distortions, leading to a widening gap between the value of the marginal product of labor and the actual wage level. After a series of robustness checks, this conclusion is proven to be reliable. The primary reason for this finding is that the LCPP increases the value of the marginal product of labor by improving the technological progress rate, thus widening the gap between the value and the sticky wage level. The net effect of the LCPP on wage distortions presents regional heterogeneity, which is more evident in the eastern and central regions than in the western region. In addition, in regions with a high proportion of domestic enterprises, the deterioration effect of the LCPP on wage distortions is relatively weak.

JEL Classification: J31, Q58
Adolescent sense of personal agency: Exploring gendered perspectives on parental and peers attachments
Authors: Nunes Filipa , Matos Paula Mena , Ferreira Tiago , Schoon Ingrid , Ferreira Rúben , Pinheiro Mota Catarina
Published: November 2024

Sense of personal agency (SPA) is crucial for adolescents’ psychosocial adjustment and well-being. The relationships with parents and peers, as well as the adolescent’s sex, have been suggested as important correlates of adolescents’ SPA. Nevertheless, no prior study has adopted a gender perspective to analyze how the intertwining of relationships between parents and peers relates to adolescent’s sense of agency. The current study investigates whether attachment to peers mediates the links between attachment to parents and SPA and whether these links are equal for boys and girls. The sample includes 1119 Portuguese adolescents (56.2% girls; 43.8% boys) aged 14 to 19. Structural equation modeling results suggest that attachment to peers is more strongly associated with boys’ SPA than girls. Results also indicate that regardless of adolescent sex, the quality of the emotional bond with the mother, but not the father, is positively associated with adolescents’ SPA. Furthermore, the results suggest that attachment to peers mediates the links between attachment to parents and adolescents’ SPA. Quality relationships with the adolescent’s different-sex parental figures (mother-son, father-daughter) are associated with higher-quality peer relationships, which are associated with a stronger SPA. On the contrary, inhibition relationships with the adolescent’s same-sex parental figure (mother-daughter, father-son) are associated with lower quality in adolescent’s peer relationships, which is associated with a lower SPA. These findings underline the importance of considering a gender perspective to understand better the role of family and peer contexts in the adolescent SPA.
The synergistic effects of platelet-rich plasma and negative pressure wound therapy in cavitary infected wounds: a single-centre experience
Authors: Qian Kun , Bao Wen-Xiu , Zuo Na , Wang Shuai , Ding Wei
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the combined application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in cavitary infected wounds, in addition to the parameter settings of NPWT.

Methods

The outcomes of patients with cavitary wounds who received debridement with either PRP plus NPWT (PRP group) or NPWT alone (controls) as part of their treatment protocol were retrospectively compared by examining preoperative and postoperative data on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil percentage, bacterial cultures, pain (measured using visual analogue scale [VAS] scores), postoperative hospitalization duration, and effective hospitalization days.

Results

A total of 24 patients were included (11 who received PRP plus NPWT and 13 who received NPWT alone). Postoperative hs-CRP levels, ESR, VAS scores, and effective hospitalization days were found to be significantly reduced in the PRP group versus controls. Moreover, the PRP group exhibited a significantly elevated rate of bacterial culture conversion at postoperative day 3.

Conclusions

The integration of surgical debridement with PRP and NPWT in the management of infected cavitary wounds may expedite infection containment and bacterial eradication, stimulate granulation tissue formation, and facilitate cavity closure, offering a novel and uncomplicated approach to wound healing.
Pliny’s Marmor Augusteum and the Eastern Desert of Egypt
Authors: Fant J. Clayton
Published: November 2024

Pliny the Elder mentions two Egyptian stones he names as marmor Augusteum and marmor Tibereum ( NH 36.55–56). The implied imperial connections and early dates make it of great interest to identify the stones and sources. Recent survey work and new documents prove that Tibereum was quarried at Wadi Barud, just south of Mons Claudianus, and is the granito bianco e nero of the Italian artisanal tradition. The fact that this quartz diorite was used in imperial palaces on the Palatine Hill (the Domus Tiberiana and the Domus Transitoria) – and hardly elsewhere – further raises the stakes for m. Augusteum. This paper examines the evidence assembled to support a proposal, the only one to date, to identify Augusteum with ophites ( granito della sedia) from Wadi Umm Wikala/Semna, and concludes that it is insufficient. It then assesses other possibilities and ends with a tentative suggestion for another identification. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Amanda Claridge, with whom I first went to Egypt.

[Formula: see text]
Outcomes from attachment-based group interventions for foster carers and adoptive parents: A systematic review
Authors: David Ranjitha , Dembrey Natasha , Majumder Pallab
Published: November 2024

Existing research has shown that group work focused on attachment theory may help carers increase their understanding about the needs of children in care and improve skills in managing difficult behaviours. Despite the potential benefits of attachment-based group interventions, there is a lack of adequate evidence to demonstrate their efficacy among carers and children in care. This systematic review aimed to study the carer and child outcomes from attachment-based group interventions for foster carers and adoptive parents. We included published studies in English that looked at carer and/or child outcomes following attachment-based group interventions for carers fostering or having adopted a child less than 18 years of age. An initial search of relevant databases was completed in June 2021, which was followed up by an updated search in November 2023 and two citation searches, one in June 2022 and another in December 2023. Duplicates were screened and following a review of 91 full texts, 28 articles were included. Qualitative and quantitative outcomes were analysed. Following intervention, there was a general trend of improvements in carer understanding, enhanced skills, better carer responsiveness and more satisfied carer–child relationships. Although there seems to be a perceived benefit from carers, no consistent pattern of change was noted in child psychopathology or challenging behaviours.
Backlighting Jeroboam: Form, Content, and Paronomasia in 1 Kings
Authors: Baker Robin
Published: November 2024

The book of Kings portrays the period from Solomon’s death to the death of Ahab as signally consequential for Israel’s history as a people. The period began with the permanent partition of the nation. From the Kings perspective, however, the impact of Jeroboam I’s cultic innovations was even more catastrophic. The book’s preoccupation is to demonstrate a causal relationship between infidelity to YHWH and deleterious change manifested in societal and political instability and misfortune. This study applies two current trajectories of biblical interpretation, namely, ‘form follows function/content’ analysis and close reading of the text’s orthographic features to probe what 1 Kings 11–22 is saying about this dynamic and how it says it. The study concludes that, whether the medium be orthographic manipulation, graphic polysemous constructions, or onomastic paronomasia, form and content are closely coordinated in this text. This symbiosis between paronyms and content subtly reinforces the composition’s unity.
Hybrid sliding mode-ANN control for UPQC in wind turbine systems under real variable speeds in Adrar, Algeria
Authors: Saihi Lakhdar , Berbaoui Brahim
Published: November 2024

This paper explores the design and performance evaluation of a three-phase Wind Turbine System-Unified Power Quality Conditioner (WTS-UPQC). The system integrates both series and shunt voltage compensators, connected through a common DC link, capitalizing on the benefits of distributed generation and active power filtering. The shunt compensator performs dual functions: extracting energy from the wind turbine system and compensating for harmonic currents and reactive power caused by nonlinear loads. Harmonic detection and reactive power compensation are achieved using the well-known p- q theory. The study is based on real wind speed measurements from the Adrar region of Algeria. Additionally, the Shunt Active Power Filter (ShAPF) not only corrects harmonic currents and reactive power but also improves energy extraction from the Wind Turbine System by utilizing maximum power point tracking (MPPT). This research addresses the drawbacks of conventional sliding mode control (SMC) for three-phase ShAPF, particularly the ripple effect produced by the sign function in the control law, which can degrade power quality and impact the materials used in wind conversion systems. To overcome these issues, an Artificial Neural Network-Sliding Mode Control (SMC-ANN) method is proposed. This approach enhances wind energy capture, mitigates the ripple effect, and improves the overall quality of power supply, especially in the face of variable wind speeds and voltage fluctuations. Simulation results and comparative analysis demonstrate that SMC-ANN significantly outperforms traditional SMC, proving its efficiency in practical applications.
Health and Wellness Coaching Can Improve Tobacco Quit Rates and Weight Management Efforts in an Employee Population
Authors: Sauls Rachel , Thakkar Shreya , Evers Briana , Yates Alexander , Tran Nhan , Latif Mark , Johnson Kelly , Alencar Michelle K.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate gender differences in tobacco quit rates and weight gain among employees undergoing a cessation program with a health and wellness coach.

Design

This project was a retrospective observational study of an employee population.

Setting

All data were collected during health coaching sessions by nationally certified health coaches.

Subjects

211 men and women (116 males, 95 females, age 51.3 ± 9.9 years) enrolled in a Tobacco cessation health coaching program (TCHC) between January 2020 and December 2021.

Measures

Data were compared between genders for quit rate, weight, body mass index (BMI), and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) usage across 12-month follow-ups.

Analysis

Descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVA, and independent samples t-test.

Results

Significantly more men than women successfully quit by the goal date set with their coach ( P < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in tobacco use across 12 months, leading to the participant’s quit date ( P < 0.001). Women (Weight lost ± SD= 1.49 lbs. ±16.06 lbs.) lost significantly more weight than men (0.7 lbs. ± 8.5 lbs.; P < 0.001). NRT users lost significantly more weight than non-users ( P = .007).

Conclusion

Health and wellness coaching was effective for participants to successfully stop tobacco use while in this program by their quit date. The coaching program also elicited weight loss while achieving smoking cessation for both men and women.
From the Field - The Case for a Paradigm Shift in Lactation Care for NICU Families: A Comprehensive Lactation Care Model
Authors: Randle Joanie
Published: November 2024

The importance of a child receiving their mother’s own milk (MOM) in the care and treatment of preterm infants is undisputed in the literature. Despite this, lactation support in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is often fragmented. Gaps in adequate lactation care for infants receiving MOM, and barriers to that lactation care, can contribute to healthcare disparities and outcome inequalities. Here, I outline a comprehensive lactation care manager model based on the concepts of continuity of care and care management. This is a starting point for discussion that may be helpful in informing future research and adequate lactation care options.