bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROMA AS A MATRIX OF THE ‘OTHER’IN THE PROJECTION OF ORIENTALISM, RACE, AND NATION IN THE WORKS BY OLHA KOBYLIANSKA
Authors: Hundorova Tamara
Published: December 2023

The paper analyzes the images of Romani in the works by Olha Kobylianska against the background of the multiethnic situation in Bukovyna, and traces the influence of the anthropological interpretation of the Gypsies as a race and a pre-modern people on the representation of Romani in the literature of the Romanticism period and the 2nd half of the 19th century.

Kobylianska treats the Gypsies not only as an exotic ‘other’ but also as an integral part of the cultural and ethnic identity of Ukrainian society and analyzes the relationship between Romani as monads and settled peasants, as well as the processes of assimilation and integration of Gypsies into the Ukrainian environment. By depicting the colourful images of the Roma in her works, Kobylianska unfolds conflict situations related to the struggle for land and the participation of ‘outsiders’ in them. The Gypsy is a figure of the stranger who serves as a matrix of ‘otherness’ for her and functions in various semantic projections. Such a matrix is projected onto the life of Hutsuls as children of nature; it correlates with the situation of reversed gender, in particular feminine identity; it serves as an attribute of exotic and oriental racial otherness. Adopting romantic oriental stereotypes about Gypsies, Kobylianska, in accordance with the anthropology of the time, marks them racially (through the signification of the ‘black’ body) and geographically (through their belonging to the Oriental world). At the same time, she brings these images closer to Ukrainian life and everyday routine and doesn’t ignore the assimilation and relations between Ukrainians and Gypsies. Settled and nomadic peoples, insiders and outsiders become the backdrop against which Kobylianska unfolds the drama of shaping the modern Ukrainian nation.
A Book Review on Knowledge, Tradition and Civilization: Essays in Honour of Professor Osman Bakar edited by Khairudin Aljunied. United Kingdom: Beacon Books and Media Ltd. ISBN: 9781915025425. 2022
Authors: Masri Mohd Shazani
Published: December 2023

Summary:

This book, a collection of essays honoring Muslim scholar-activist Osman Bakar, edited by Khairudin Aljunied, highlights Bakar's contributions to Islamic studies. Featuring renowned scholars and activists, the volume covers two main themes: "The Production and Problem of Knowledge" and "Civilizational Unity and Renewal." The book provides a comprehensive introduction to Bakar's work but omits aspects of his political thought and sacred studies. Furthermore, his activist side is not given enough attention. Despite these shortcomings, the book is a must-read for those seeking to understand Bakar's thoughts, as his ideas offer valuable insights for the study of knowledge, tradition, and civilization in the Islamic world and the region of Borneo.
SARS-CoV-2 decreases malaria severity in co-infected rodent models
Authors: Fraga Ana , Mósca Andreia F. , Moita Diana , Simas J. Pedro , Nunes-Cabaço Helena , Prudêncio Miguel
Published: December 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and malaria, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Plasmodium parasites, respectively, share geographical distribution in regions where the latter disease is endemic, leading to the emergence of co-infections between the two pathogens. Thus far, epidemiologic studies and case reports have yielded insufficient data on the reciprocal impact of the two pathogens on either infection and related diseases. We established novel co-infection models to address this issue experimentally, employing either human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2)-expressing or wild-type mice, in combination with human- or mouse-infective variants of SARS-CoV-2, and the P. berghei rodent malaria parasite. We now show that a primary infection by a viral variant that causes a severe disease phenotype partially impairs a subsequent liver infection by the malaria parasite. Additionally, exposure to an attenuated viral variant modulates subsequent immune responses and provides protection from severe malaria-associated outcomes when a blood stage P. berghei infection was established. Our findings unveil a hitherto unknown host-mediated virus-parasite interaction that could have relevant implications for disease management and control in malaria-endemic regions. This work may contribute to the development of other models of concomitant infection between Plasmodium and respiratory viruses, expediting further research on co-infections that lead to complex disease presentations.
Superfamily II helicases: the potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Fang Tianxiang , Wang Xizhi , Huangfu Ning
Published: December 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) still maintain high morbidity and mortality globally. Helicases, a unique class of enzymes, are extensively implicated in the processes of nucleic acid (NA) metabolism across various organisms. They play a pivotal role in gene expression, inflammatory response, lipid metabolism, and so forth. However, abnormal helicase expression has been associated with immune response, cancer, and intellectual disability in humans. Superfamily II (SFII) is one of the largest and most diverse of the helicase superfamilies. Increasing evidence has implicated SFⅡ helicases in the pathogenesis of multiple CVDs. In this review, we comprehensively review the regulation mechanism of SFⅡ helicases in CVDs including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathies, and heart failure, which will contribute to the investigation of ideal therapeutic targets for CVDs.
Who has the power to define the ideal teacher? Insights into the social structure of Finnish teacher education
Authors: Fornaciari Aleksi , Juutilainen Maaret
Published: December 2023

In Finland, graduating teachers are expected to become “transformational agents” who are able to critically reflect upon and evaluate what types of changes are necessary in education and who can also implement the required changes. However, based on previous studies, teacher education seems to have little influence on future teachers’ core perceptions of teacher’s work. Instead, previous studies have demonstrated that new teachers’ perceptions might draw on tradition and cultural-historical phases of the Finnish teacher profession, and normative ideas concerning the ideal characteristics of a “good” teacher or student teacher. In this study, we examine how student teachers’ perceptions of teacherhood build upon and who has the power to define the “ideal teacher.” Based on our study, we suggest that to understand how the perception of the ideal teacher is formed and how teacher education could better influence the transformation of these perceptions, we must consider the unofficial power relations among student teachers. These power relations seem to originate from the hegemonic discourse of the “typical student teacher,” which contains and renews traditional perceptions of teaching and teachers as authorities and experts transmitting subject content knowledge and skills to pupils. This discourse seems to be renewed among student teachers and has more impact on students’ perceptions than the official aims of teacher education. Hence, in our study, the unspoken sociocultural power relations come to light in different ways, in the peer relations between student teachers but also in the students’ conceptions of the teacher educators. We suggest that by unraveling the unofficial power relations in the sociocultural context of teacher education and by focusing on supporting every student teacher’s agency and critical reflection, it is possible to transform the perceptions about the ideal teacher.
Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome and liver cirrhosis associated with diabetes and an inactivating KCNJ11 gene mutation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Zhaoxiang , Zhao Wenhui , Cao Chenxiang , Wang Yanlei , Xiao Luqi , Wang Xiaojing , Jin Chenxi , Xiao Jianzhong
Published: December 2023

Background

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a congenital disease commonly found in patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). Most PSIS patients manifest growth retardation and delayed puberty. We report a rare case of PSIS with tall stature, liver cirrhosis and diabetes, possibly caused by an inactivating KCNJ11 gene mutation.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old female patient initially presented with liver cirrhosis and diabetes, without any secondary sexual characteristics. Endocrine investigation indicated CPHD. Small anterior pituitary, invisible pituitary stalk and no eutopic posterior lobe hypersignal in the sella turcica viewed in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis of PSIS. Despite receiving no growth hormone or sex hormone therapy, she reached a final height of 186 cm. Liver histopathology revealed nonalcoholic fatty cirrhosis. Genetic testing identified a heterozygous p.Arg301Cys mutation in the KCNJ11 gene.

Conclusion

This is a rare case of PSIS with liver cirrhosis and diabetes associated with an inactivating KCNJ11 gene mutation. It’s supposed that early hyperinsulinism caused by the KCNJ11 gene mutation, as well as delayed epiphyseal closure due to estrogen deficiency, contributed to the patient’s exceptionally tall stature. Untreated growth hormone deficiency (GHD) resulted in increased visceral fat, leading to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis. The decline in β cell function with age, combined with NAFLD, may have played a role in the development of diabetes.
Human sperm heads harbor modified YsRNA as transgenerationally inherited non-coding RNAs
Authors: Elzer Darja , Bremser Michelle , Zischler Hans
Published: December 2023

Most epigenetic information is reprogrammed during gametogenesis and early development. However, some epigenetic information persists and can be inherited, a phenomenon that is common in plants. On the other hand, there are increasing examples of epigenetic inheritance in metazoans, especially for small non-coding RNAs. The presence of regulatory important RNAs in oocytes is undisputed, whereas the corresponding RNA payload in spermatozoa and its regulatory influence in the zygote and early embryogenesis is largely enigmatic. For humans, we herein describe small YRNA fragments (YsRNA) as a paternal contribution to the zygote. First, we trace the biogenesis of these YsRNAs from the source YRNAs with respect to the 5′ and 3′ modifications. Both the length and modifications make these YsRNAs reminiscent of canonical piRNAs that are not derived from piRNA clusters. Second, from the early stages of spermatogenesis to maturation in the epididymis, we observe distinct YsRNA profile dynamics in the male germline. We detected YsRNAs exclusively in mature sperm heads, the precursor of the male pronucleus in the zygote, suggesting an important role of the epididymis as a site for transmitting and modification of epigenetic information in the form of YsRNA between soma and germline in humans. Since this YsRNA-based epigenetic mechanism is effective across generations, we wondered whether this phenomenon of epigenetic inheritance has an adaptive value. Full-length YRNAs bind to Ro60, an RNA chaperone that additionally binds to non-coding RNAs. We described the profiles of non-coding RNAs bound to Ro60 in the human sperm head and detected specific binding profiles of RNA to Ro60 but no YRNA bound to Ro60. We hypothesize that the sperm head Ro60 system is functional. An adaptive phenotype mediated by the presence of a large amount of YsRNA in the sperm head, and thus as a paternal contribution in the zygote, might be related to an association of YsRNA with YRNA that prevents the adoption of a YRNA secondary structure capable of binding to Ro60. We hypothesize that preventing YRNAs from acting as Ro60-associated gatekeepers for misfolded RNAs in the zygote and early development may enhance RNA chaperoning and, thus, represent the adaptive molecular phenotype.
Investigation of acquired dysfibrinogenaemia in adult patients with sepsis using fibrinogen function vs. concentration ratios: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Toenges Rosa , Steiner Michael , Weber Christian Friedrich , Miesbach Wolfgang
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Inherited or acquired molecular abnormalities form a clinically heterogeneous group of fibrinogen disorders called dysfibrinogenaemia. Apart from a pediatric case report and in contrast to other clinical conditions, acquired dysfibrinogenaemia has not been previously reported in septic patients.

Methods

In an observational cohort study, 79 adult septic patients were investigated for the presence of acquired dysfibrinogenaemia at the time of their admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Hospital Frankfurt. Following established recommendations, fibrinogen clotting activity vs. antigen ratios were analyzed using Clauss fibrinogen, prothrombin-derived fibrinogen, and radial immunodiffusion (RID) fibrinogen concentration.

Results

Prothrombin-derived fibrinogen levels were highest (527 ± 182 mg/dL) followed by Clauss fibrinogen (492 ± 209 mg/dL) and radial immunodiffusion fibrinogen (426 ± 159 mg/dL). Very few cases demonstrated hypofibrinogenaemia making overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) unlikely in the cohort investigated. Clauss/RID fibrinogen ratios were lower (1.17 ± 0.19) compared to prothrombin time-derived/RID ratios (1.35 ± 0.33). Using the Clauss/RID dataset, 21% of patients (16/76 patients) demonstrated values below a threshold ratio for suspected acquired dysfibrinogenaemia arbitrarily set at 1.0. In contrast, prothrombin-derived ratios were below the threshold in only 7% (4/58 patients).

Discussion

The results point to the presence of acquired dysfibrinogenaemia in part of adult septic patients. If confirmed in further studies, this may form part of a specific laboratory signature of a sepsis-associated coagulation phenotype.
Quality assessment of histopathological stainings on prolonged formalin fixed thrombus tissues retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Bilgin Cem , Dai Daying , Johnson Collin , Mereuta Oana M. , Kallmes David F. , Brinjikji Waleed , Kadirvel Ramanathan
Published: December 2023

Background

Formalin-fixed retrieved clots from mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are now routinely studied using both conventional histopathologic techniques and immunohistochemistry (IHC). However, the effects of prolonged formalin fixation on the histological results of clot analysis remain unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged formalin fixation on quality of histopathologic stainings of thrombus tissues retrieved by MT.

Methods

As part of the multicenter EXCELLENT registry, a total of 80 clots extracted by MT from acute ischemic stroke patients were randomly selected from the tissue database and assigned into four groups according to 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) fixation duration (1–30, 30–60, 60–90, and 90+ days, up to 2 years). Samples underwent processing and sectioning. Two serial sections for each case were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Martius Scarlet Blue (MSB), and IHC for CD42b (platelet marker). An expert pathologist, who was blinded to tissue fixation duration and patient clinical data, assessed the quality of each stain including stainability, sensitivity, specificity, and consistency of stainings.

Results

No significant issues were encountered during tissue processing and sectioning. On H&E stain, 97.5% (78/80) of slides showed good-quality staining, demonstrating clear histological properties of the thrombus tissue as red blood cells (RBC) stained in red, fibrin/platelet stained in pink, and nuclei stained in blue with intranuclear detail. The same histological features were also successfully demonstrated on MSB for all 80 samples. One of the 80 samples (1.2%) showed that RBC lost stainability on H&E due to tissue autolysis. Clear positive signal of platelet staining was expressed in 98.8% of the samples (79/80) with minimal background staining on IHC. There was no significant difference in staining quality across different formalin fixation groups.

Conclusion

A good quality of histopathological staining is achievable for the thrombus tissue fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for up to 2 years. The findings are limited to the thrombus tissue retrieved by MT and specific fixation and staining protocols used in the study. To apply these results to other tissue or experimental setups, further studies and validations would be necessary.

Clinical trial registration

This study was conducted as part of the EXCELLENT study: www.clinicaltrials.gov, unique identifier: NCT03685578.
Paradoxical increase of neurofilaments in SMA patients treated with onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi
Authors: Flotats-Bastardas Marina , Bitzan Lisa , Grell Charlotte , Martakis Kyriakos , Winter Benedikt , Zemlin Michael , Wurster Claudia D. , Uzelac Zeljko , Weiß Claudia , Hahn Andreas
Published: December 2023

Background/Objective

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) has been proposed as a biomarker reflecting disease severity and therapy response in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 and 2 (SMA1 and 2). The objective of this study was to examine how serum NfL changes after gene replacement therapy (GRT) with onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi.

Methods

We measured NfL in serum probes from 19 patients (10 SMA 1 and 6 SMA 2; 15 previously treated with nusinersen or risdiplam; 12 male) before and at variable time points after GRT. These values were related to motor scores (CHOP-Intend, HFMSE and RULM).

Results

Median age at GRT was 19 months (range 2–46 months). Median NfL of all patients before GRT was 39 pg/ml (range 0–663 pg/ml; normal values <25 pg/ml), increased significantly to 297 pg/ml (range 61–1,696 pg/ml; p<0,002) 1 month after GRT, and decreased to 49 pg/ml (range 24–151 pg/ml) after 6 months. Subjects pre-treated with nusinersen or risdiplam had lower baseline NfL levels than naïve patients (p<0,005), but absolute increases of NfL were similar in both groups. While motor scores were improved in 14 out of 18 SMA patients (78%) 6 months after GRT NfL values differed not significantly from those measured at baseline (p = 0,959).

Conclusion

Serum NfL showed a paradoxical transient increase after GRT in both, pre-treated and naïve patients, which may reflect an immunological reaction in the CNS related to transfection of neuronal cells by AAV9. The clinical meaning of this increase should be assessed in future studies. Our findings encourage regular monitoring of NfL in OA treated patients.
Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of the buttock: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ji Xinghua , Wei Jinzheng , Li Xiaoqiong , Zhang Wei , Xing Zejun
Published: December 2023

Background

Extraosseous myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is extremely rare, and the case we report is of a particular site with partial bone destruction.

Case presentation

This case report can further strengthen the understanding of EMC and guide clinical treatment. The patient presented with a right buttock mass that was present for 1 year and that had gradually enlarged with tenderness for 6 months. The diagnosis was EMC. The interventions included puncture biopsy, surgical resection, and postoperative chemotherapy. The tumor was resected extensively, and the postoperative recovery was satisfactory. There was no recurrence or metastasis during the follow-up for 18-month.

Case presentation

The case we reported occurred in the pelvic cavity, which has not been previously reported in the literature, and there was partial bone destruction. Complete resection of the tumor was performed, and a satisfactory prognosis was achieved.
Analysis of the status and factors influencing physical activity in patients undergoing ovarian cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Shasha , Zhang Fengzhi , Yang Fangfang , Yang Jimei , Zhang Lin , Xie Junfang
Published: December 2023

Background

Ovarian cancer is a common gynecological malignancy, leading to approximately 200,000 deaths globally in 2020. Research has shown that regular physical activity can reduce the toxic side effects of cancer treatment, reduce morbidity and mortality, extend survival time, and improve quality of life. We aimed to evaluate physical activity regimens in patients undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and analyze the factors influencing physical activity levels.

Methods

To facilitate the selection of patients with ovarian cancer hospitalized for chemotherapy in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2022 to February 2023, questionnaire surveys were conducted using the General Information Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Revised Piper Fatigue Scale.

Results

Data were collected from 167 patients with ovarian cancer. Overall, 96 (57.5%) patients had low physical activity levels, 53 (31.7%) had moderate physical activity levels, and 18 (10.8%) had high physical activity levels. Logistic regression analysis revealed that sleep status, social support, anxiety, depression, and cancer-related fatigue were the main factors influencing physical activity in patients undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.

Conclusions

Physical activity levels of patients undergoing ovarian cancer chemotherapy were generally low. Therefore, healthcare professionals should pay greater attention to the physical activity in these patients. Targeted and individualized health guidance is recommended, and activity interventions should be implemented according to the influencing factors to promote disease understanding and increase physical activity levels.
Co-existence of KMT2A::SEPTIN6 fusion and DIS3 variant in a pediatric case with acute myeloid leukemia: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Liang , Qiu Fangzhou , Shen Yongming , Chen Sen , Si Ping
Published: December 2023

The lysine(K)-specific methyltransferase 2A gene (KMT2A), previously known as mixed lineage leukemia (MLL), frequently rearranged in acute leukemia, belongs to one of the most promiscuous genes and has been found fused to more than 80 different partners. KMT2A::SEPTIN6 fusion is a relatively uncommon rearrangement observed in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, some of which may harbor other mutations. We herein report a case of AML-M4-infant with KMT2A::SEPTIN6 fusion and DIS3 variant. The 8-month-old girl presented with leukocytosis, anemia and thrombocytopenia. A bone marrow smear disclosed that 64% of the total nucleated cells were blasts. Karyotype analysis showed 46,X,t(X;11)(q24;q23)[10]/46,XX[10]. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis suggested a possible break in the KMT2A gene. After whole transcriptome sequencing, Exon 9 of KMT2A was fused in-frame with Exon 2 of SEPTIN6. This is a typical type of chromosomal rearrangement leading to the KMT2A::SEPTIN6 fusion. Meanwhile, DIS3 variant [c.2065C>T, p.R689X, variant allele frequency (VAF): 39.8%] was identified. KMT2A::SEPTIN6 fusion has been associated with the pathogenesis of AML, whereas DIS3 variants are relatively rare genetic events in pediatric AML. Regrettably, the relatives disagreed with the combination chemotherapy, and the patient eventually died of progressive disease. In conclusion, our findings provide a foundation for a better understanding of the genotypic profile of KMT2A::SEPTIN6 associated AML, and the co-existence of KMT2A::SEPTIN6 and DIS3 variant might contribute to the disease progression and transformation of AML.
Inspiring respect for fathers as coparents through a trauma-informed, infant-family mental health transformation of community-based services: process and early implementation with a multi-agency community collaborative
Authors: McHale James , Burton Donna , Negrini Lisa , Jacob Alexandra Albizu , Butler LaDonna
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Despite compelling evidence that high-quality early care has an enduring impact, there has been little coordinated effort to transform services delivery to infuse Trauma-Informed Family Centered (TI-FC) principles into community-based agencies serving children and their families. A need for more culturally attuned, family-sensitive, evidence-based, and trauma-informed supports, especially for vulnerable children, their families and fathers, is apparent in evidence amassed by key stakeholders within the geographic area of this study. This report details the planning process, TI-FC training series, and organizational profile assessments. Authors conclude with recommendations regarding the establishment of multi-agency collectives, to include fathers, toward betterment of infant-family mental health at the community level.

Methods

The current case study details the community-level transformational effort in which major health, mental health, substance abuse, and child welfare organizations serving families of children age 0-3 worked collaboratively to enhance TI-FC services. We describe a four-stage process (1 - planning, 2 - assessment of organizational readiness, 3 - surveys, document reviews and focus groups, 4 - delivery of a training series) detailing the work of the collaborative, guided by key agency decision-makers.

Results

The study found significant initial success in adapting approaches to serving children 0-3 and their families through TI-FC perspectives. By proactively engaging several lead organizations in a deliberative planning process with universal aims and transformational principles, the collaborative team was able to coordinate organizational assessment, staff training and consultation, self-monitoring of organizational shifts, and problem-solving of obstacles and solutions to TI-FC services delivery.

Discussion

All agencies succeeded in completing comprehensive, multi-faceted analyses of organizational culture, preparing personnel for TI-FC services through comprehensive training, and utilizing this collaborative to make deliberate and customized changes within their programs, as concerns both support of families and father engagement. Preliminary data indicate that important shifts took hold and signified changes across key domains of TI-FC care.
Deployment-related quarantining—a risk or resilience factor for German military service members? A prospective analysis during the third–fifth waves of COVID-19
Authors: Bühler Antje H. , Willmund Gerd-Dieter
Published: December 2023

Background

Mandatory deployment-related quarantining added further constraints on soldiers during the pandemic. Contrary to overwhelming research documenting an adverse impact of quarantining on mental health, no adverse short-term mental health effects of pre-deployment quarantining for German soldiers were identified. Therefore, we are interested in a potentially delayed onset, the impact of an additional post-deployment quarantine, and quarantine-associated risk and resilience factors predicting mental health post-deployment.

Methods

In a prospective research design, 928 German soldiers enrolled in the study at the in-processing of pre-deployment quarantine between February 2021 and March 2022. Every German military service member undergoing pre-deployment quarantine could participate. The soldiers were between 18 and 64 years old; 87.5% identified as male and 12.5% as female. Self-reported mental health (Mini-SCL), perceived social support (FSozU-K22), and perceived unit cohesion were assessed three to five times: at the beginning and the end of pre-deployment quarantine (Nt1 = 928, Nt2 = 907), if still mandatory—at the beginning and the end of post-deployment quarantine (Nt3 = 143 and Nt4 = 132), and 3 months post-deployment, on average 7 to 8 months later than pre-deployment quarantine (Nt5 = 308). The analyzed quarantine-associated risk and resilience factors were informedness about COVID-19, infection risk, quarantine benefit, clarity of quarantine protocol, need for intimacy/bonding, norms, stigma, practicality, financial disadvantages, boredom, and health-promoting leadership.

Results

Despite four different mental health trajectories identified, repeated measures ANOVAs revealed a significant improvement in mental health post-deployment (F[2,265] = 21.54, p < 0.001), a small decrease in social support (F[2,266] = 16.85, p < 0.001), and no significant changes in unit cohesion (F[2,264] = 0.482, p = 0.618) 3 months post-deployment. Using stepwise regression, 24% of variance in mental health symptomatology post-deployment is predicted pre-deployment by a clear quarantine protocol, unit cohesion, intimacy/bonding, and social support (F[4,263] = 22.23, p < 0.001). In total, 30% of mental health at the end of post-deployment quarantine is predicted by stigma and a clear quarantine protocol (F[2,99] = 22.22, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although no overall adverse impact of quarantining on mental health was found, it is recommended to address perceived stigma and clearly communicate the quarantine protocol, and to further follow up on the perceived decrease in social support.
Safeguarding the Caribbean's future: making the case to research the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on youth mental health and wellbeing
Authors: Holdsworth Jaclyn , Hunte Shelly-Ann , Barker Kershelle , Sherin Jonathan , Rao Mala , Maharaj Sandeep B.
Published: December 2023

This article makes a call for attention to paid on the development of a research agenda for studying the impact of climatic events on youth mental health in the Caribbean. It details the climate injustices that the region faces and the potential mental health problem which can arise from climatic events. It makes a call for interdisciplinary research and a multi stakeholder approach to dealing with this potential issue.
Stroke patients have lower blood levels of nutrients that are relevant for recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Broersen Laus M. , Guida Sonia , Cetinyurek-Yavuz Aysun , van Wijk Nick , van Helvoort Ardy , Michael-Titus Adina T. , Lansink Mirian
Published: December 2023

Background

Malnutrition is common after stroke. Stroke patients often have a suboptimal energy intake, body weight and inadequate blood nutrient levels. Nutrient insufficiencies may not be detected, but their recognition is essential to provide adequate nutritional support after a stroke. This comprehensive summary of the literature is a collection of data on blood levels of a broad selection of nutrients involved in restoring cerebral blood flow and functional brain connectivity in stroke patients compared to controls.

Methods

Embase and MEDLINE were searched for studies published in English in the period 1980–2022. Studies including adult stroke subjects and controls whose blood samples were analyzed for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), uridine, choline, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), carnitine, arginine, or taurine were selected. If there were >3 reports (k) per nutrient, results were generated with an unadjusted and age-adjusted random-effects meta-analysis model. Risk of bias was evaluated for relevant domains from the ROBINS-I tool and with Egger's test.

Results

One hundred five reports on blood nutrient levels were extracted from 56 eligible studies. Overall, meta-analyses showed lower blood levels of most nutrients in stroke patients compared to controls. The number of reports and the statistical significance for the unadjusted data were: folate (k = 27; p = 0.005), vitamin B12 (k = 23; p = 0.002), vitamin E (k = 11; p = 0.013), DHA (k = 7, p = 0.015), EPA (k = 7; p = 0.004), vitamin C (k = 6; p = 0.020), and selenium (k = 6; p = 0.018). No significant decreases were observed for vitamin B6 (k = 6; p = 0.52) and arginine (k = 4; p = 0.93). For other selected nutrients, there were insufficient reports to perform a meta-analysis. Available reports pointed toward lower (CoQ10, choline; k = 2), higher (taurine; k = 2), or unchanged (carnitine, uridine; k = 1) blood levels after stroke. In general, risk of bias was low.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that nutrient insufficiencies occur for many nutrients that are involved in repair processes after stroke. The low blood levels of folate, vitamin B12, EPA, DHA, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and possibly CoQ10 and choline, highlight the presence of a suboptimal nutritional status after stroke. The inclusion of targeted nutritional interventions to further support recovery should receive consideration in the multidisciplinary context of stroke rehabilitation.
Potential land-use function conflicts of cultivated land for urban sustainable development: a case study in Yancheng City, China
Authors: Zhu Nanyan , Ma Quan , Ai Jingwen , Zeng Zhen , Zhou Chunhua
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The evaluation on the trade-off/synergy relationship of urban cultivated land-use function conflicts (CLUFCs) for improving the sustainability of cultivated land ecosystem is one of the solutions to coordinate the contradiction between land health and economic development and alleviate food crises, and achieve “zero hunger” in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Methods

In this study, Yancheng City was taken as the research object, and the cultivated land ecological function (CLEF) was evaluated by the morphological spatial pattern analysis-minimum cumulative resistance (MSPA-MCR) model from the perspective of multi-objective coordinated development of cultivated land, and cultivated land productive function (CLPF) was evaluated by net primary productivity (NPP). In addition, combined with local indications of spatial association (LISA) analysis, the spatial trade-off/synergy relationship between CLPF and CLEF was quantified and analyzed. The spatial principal co-coordinates-redundancy analysis (SPCoA-RDA) was used to explore the influencing factors and mechanisms of CLUFCs.

Results

The results show that there are obvious spatial heterogeneity and aggregation distribution characteristics of CLUFCs in Yancheng City. Through SPCoA-RDA, it is found that the spatial differentiation of CLUFCs is the result of the combination of internal (population density, road network, and water network) and external (spatial spillover effect) driving factors.

Discussion

Based on these results, the study area was divided into eight types of cultivated land suitability zones under four aggregation relationships of CLUFCs. Comprehensively considering production, CLUFCs were evaluated by socio-economic and geo-spatial statistical dates, and strategies for guiding the coordinated development and sustainable management of urban cultivated land had been put forward. This study can provide a theoretical framework and certain feasible suggestions for the sustainable development and the transformation of cultivated land system in agriculture cities.
A retrospective study on the prevalence of main clinical findings in brown bears (Ursus arctos) rescued from substandard husbandry conditions
Authors: Stagni Elena , Sequeira Sara , Brscic Marta , Redtenbacher Irene , Hartmann Sabine
Published: December 2023

Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are kept under varied captive conditions, some of which may greatly compromise their welfare. FOUR PAWS is an NGO that rescues some of these bears kept in substandard conditions and houses them in species-appropriate sanctuaries, where preventive and reactive veterinary care is provided. This retrospective study aims to provide an overview of pathologies and clinical abnormalities reported in veterinary records and their prevalence according to body system affected and pre-rescue bear origin. Origin was categorised as subzoo (bears coming from substandard zoos), dancing (used to “dance” upon a music cue), restaurant (used to attract clients), private keeping (used for various purposes, such as photo props), circus (used for shows), and bear-baiting (exploited for hunting dog training in baiting stations). Clinical findings were extracted from reports of veterinary examinations done from 2006 to 2021, during rescue, routinely, in response to clinical signs, and/or post-mortem. Their prevalence was calculated according to the body system affected and neoplasia (specific group independent from the organ) over the findings’ total number. Prevalence was also calculated according to pre-rescue origin (general and relative values in proportion to the number of reports per origin). Results refer to 302 veterinary reports of 114 bears examined, rescued from 1998 to 2021, with the age at rescue varying from a few months to 30 years (median 13 years). The total number of clinical findings was 1,003, and the systems with more findings were oral cavity (56.0%), abdominal cavity and digestive system (7.9%), integumentary (7.9%), ocular systems (7.7%), and musculoskeletal (7.6%). Findings involving other body systems and neoplasia were less prevalent (≤2.8%). Results showed a higher prevalence of some clinical findings for bears rescued from certain origins compared to others. Straightforward associations between pre-rescue origin and clinical findings were not feasible due to unknown anamnesis and details on pre-rescue conditions, and because some housing and management characteristics might be transversal to origins. Results suggest that bears rescued from certain origins were prone to specific clinical findings, supporting the need for the creation of ad hoc preventive veterinary and husbandry management plans after rescue, thus contributing to the improvement of captive bear welfare.
Application of Host-Depleted Nanopore Metagenomic Sequencing in the Clinical Detection of Pathogens in Pigs and Cats
Authors: Han Xu , Xia Zhaofei
Published: December 2023

Metagenomic sequencing is a valuable tool for non-specifically detecting various microorganisms in samples, offering unique advantages for detecting emerging pathogens, fastidious or uncultivable pathogens, and mixed infections. It has recently been applied to clinically detect pathogenic microorganisms in animals; however, the high proportion of host genes, expensive sequencing equipment, and the complexity of sequencing and data analysis methods have limited its clinical utility. In this study, a combination of tissue homogenization and nuclease digestion was employed to remove host genes from pig and cat samples; DNA and RNA were then extracted and subjected to nonselective PCR amplification to simultaneously detect DNA and RNA pathogen genomes using R9.4.1 or R10.4.1 flow cells on the MinION platform. Real-time pathogen detection was conducted using EPI2M WIMP, and viral genome assembly was performed using NanoFilt, minimap2, samtools, and ivar. Pathogens in five clinical samples (serum, nasopharyngeal swab, feces, or ascites) from cats and four clinical samples (lung or small intestine tissue) from pigs were examined by metagenomic sequencing, and the results were consistent with those obtained by PCR and bacterial culture. Additionally, we detected four viruses and three bacteria that may be associated with diseases. A comparison of results before and after host gene removal in three samples showed a 9–50% reduction in host genes. We also compared the assembly efficiency of six virus genomes and found that data volumes ranging from 3.3 to 98.3 MB were sufficient to assemble >90% of the viral genomes. In summary, this study utilized optimized nanopore metagenomic sequencing and analysis methods to reduce host genes, decrease the required data volume for sequencing analysis, and enable real-time detection to determine when to stop sequencing. The streamlined sequencing and analysis process overcomes barriers to the veterinary clinical application of metagenomic sequencing and provides a reference for clinical implementation.
An Environmental Quality Assessment of Office Buildings: The Impact of a Glass Façade on Users in Different Climate Contexts in Croatia
Authors: Muraj Iva , Ostojić Stanka
Published: December 2023

Glass façades are being increasingly applied in the typology of office buildings. The environmental quality parameters of indoor spaces have an exceptional influence on the wellbeing and productivity of users. In the past, climate defined the architecture of a particular area. Façades of contemporary office buildings have similar characteristics regardless of their location. This study comprises four office buildings with different types of glass façades located in areas of continental and coastal climate in Croatia. Also, the research relates to a graduate study course, during which the students designed a survey to gain insight into the satisfaction of users of the analyzed buildings. The aim of this research is to explore the impact of the design of glass façades in a certain climate context on users. This paper will address the following research questions: (1) Is a fully glazed office building pleasant to work in? (2) Is a fully glazed façade an appropriate solution for office buildings in hot and sunny climates? The research results show that to achieve a comfortable indoor environment for buildings’ users, it is necessary to design the façade according to the orientation, especially in terms of glazing characteristics, a sun protection system, and window control.
Hypersingular Integro-Differential Equation Containing Polynomials and Their Derivatives in Coefficients
Authors: Shilin Andrei P.
Published: December 2023

A new linear integro-differential equation is considered on a closed curve located on the complex plane. The integrals in the equation are understood in the sense of a finite part, according to Hadamard. The order of the equation can be higher than one. The coefficients of the equation have a special structure. A characteristic of the coefficients is that they contain two arbitrary polynomials and their derivatives. Solvability conditions are explicitly stated. Whenever they are satisfied, an exact analytical solution is given. Generalized Sokhotsky formulas, the theory of Riemann boundary value problems, methods for solving linear differential equations, and the properties of analytic functions of a complex variable are used. An example is given.
Christopher Nolan’s Joker as a Consistent Naturalist (And That’s Still a Bad Thing)
Authors: Barkman Adam , Korvemaker Aaron
Published: December 2023

In this article, we discuss C. S. Lewis’s description, and critique, of metaphysical naturalism, and apply this to our reading of the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. We argue that Nolan’s Joker is the most ethically consistent type of naturalist, and that this makes his ethical position at once more praiseworthy than that of numerous naturalistic moral thinkers, such as Sam Harris, insofar as it is consistent, and yet blameworthy in that other naturalistic ethicists, inconsistent though they may be, at least, reasonably, assume a kind of objective morality via implicit supernaturalist assumptions about “right” and “wrong”.
Symbols in Children's Drawings as a Visual Communication Tool
Authors: Nursayyidah Ade , Ekawardhani Yully Ambarsih
Published: December 2023

Symbols are always present in communication, especially in communication through visual media in the form of children's drawings. Children's drawings are one of the media that can represent children's imagination, creativity, experience, and emotions that can be used as a medium for children's communication. Through children's drawings, we can see the messages they want to convey. This research aims to see that symbols in children's drawings can be used as a visual communication tool, so that the messages they make will be conveyed. The method used in this research is a descriptive method by analyzing data, namely observing symbols in children's drawings using a semiotic approach. The result of the research is that the symbols contained in children's drawings contain the meaning of happiness and cheerfulness, containing the message that a happy life is the desire and hope of children.

Keywords: Children's drawings, Visual Communication, Semiotics, Symbols
Color Preferences for the Coat of Arms of the Greater Bandung Regional Government
Authors: Noviantono Nurcahyo Eko , Maulina Rini
Published: December 2023

The Greater Bandung government consists of Bandung City, Bandung Regency, West Bandung Regency and Cimahi City, each local government has a different regional coat of arms. Based on government regulations, the regional coat of arms is a cultural symbol for the community living in a region, which reflects the uniqueness of the region and is different from other regions. The symbols and colors contained in the regional coat of arms function as an identity and binder of the socio-cultural unity of the regional community. This study aims to reveal regional color preferences contained in the emblem of local government, especially in the Greater Bandung area. The research location was in Bandung City, West Java. Previous research that has been conducted has not examined the meaning of the regional coat of arms in the Greater Bandung area based on its visual elements. The research conducted used a qualitative method to reveal the color preferences contained in the coat of arms of the Greater Bandung area. The purpose of this research is to obtain color preferences from the coat of arms of the Greater Bandung regional government and is useful in adding knowledge in the field of visual communication design. From the research it was found that each color element contained in the coat of arms of the Greater Bandung regional government has a meaning related to the vision and mission of the city and regency of each region.
Representation of Ophelia's Painting in the Scene of Melancholia Movie 2011
Authors: Huda Mutiara Azkiyatunnuril , Hidayatullah Taufan
Published: December 2023

Sir John Everett's Ophelia is a very famous painting. The object of the painting is the death of Ophelia, a character taken from Shakespeare's Hamlet. This painting has inspired many artists and filmmakers to use its visualization as inspiration. Research on the visualization of Ophelia's death has never been done, especially with the use of the tableau vivant technique in the object of research of Lars Von Trier's 2011 film Melancholia. based on this, the purpose of this study is to determine the role of the tableau vivant technique in the field of cinema. Especially its role in the representation of the painting "Ophelia" by Sir John Everett Millais by director Lars Von Trier in the scene of the 2011 film "Melancholia". Trier with his creativity uses the technique with his specialty. It is important to discuss this as a reference in making cinema works by utilizing paintings that were present before. The analysis is done with the main theory of tableau vivant so that its role as a representation technique is visible. The theory of film cinematic elements (mise en scène and cinematography) to support the main theory, describing how the elements in the film represent the painting. Data collection techniques are carried out by means of observation and literature study related to the object of the movie scene that shows the representation of painting, and the painting it represents.  The results of the analysis are how the creative use of tableau vivant technique by Lars Von Trier plays a role in representing Ophelia's painting in the scene of the movie Melancholia in 2011 through its cinematic elements. With this research, filmmakers are able to make Trier's creativity using the tableau vivant technique as a reference in making movie scenes inspired by works of art.

 

Keywords: Film; Lars Von Trier; Melancholia; Ophelia; Tableau Vivant